Torquay institution Rip Curl will move its warehouse operations away from the Surf Coast.
The famous surfing brand’s parent company, KMD Brands, has revealed to Geelong Broadcasters that the warehouse based in the heart of Torquay will move its operations to the company’s group facility in Truganina.
A spokesperson for KMD Brands said the move will happen in May this year and other brands under their banner will likely follow suit.
“Our Ozmosis warehouse operations will follow this but likely later this year or early next,” the spokesperson said.
“All of our permanent warehouse crew have been offered permanent jobs at Truganina, or the option to take redundancy.
“They’ve also been offered to trial their role at Truganina, with the ability to take redundancy if they do not wish to continue after the trial.
“This decision was not made lightly and KMD Brands acknowledges the commitment and dedication of our long-standing warehouse crew.
“Rip Curl’s home remains in Torquay with no impact to head office or store crew.”
Rip Curl was founded in Torquay in 1969 by Doug Warbrick and Brian Singer, and has become one of the most recognisable surf brands worldwide.
The company was acquired by KMD Brands in 2019, which also consists of other outdoor and lifestyle companies Kathmandu and Oboz.
It comes following news that fellow Torquay surf brand Quiksliver along with Gold Coast-based Billabong will close all their stores in the US.
The company which licences the brands there has gone bust, blaming cheap online stores like Shein and Temu.
Liberated Brands will close 120 stores in the US and Canada, which stocks both labels.
