SURFSTITCH founders Lex Pederson (pictured) and Justin Cameron have extended their reach in the online retailing space by taking back full control of their company and buying Billabong’s (ASX: BBG) Swell business in a $35 million deal.

The move, widely expected by the surfwear industry for some time, is part of Billabong’s ongoing debt reduction strategy and plans to turn its attention to websites promoting its core brands.

Billabong owned 51 per cent of Surfstitch after taking a minority interest in the company in 2009.

But the buyout could see the Burleigh-based SurfStitch make a return to its hometown of Sydney following the severing of ties with Billabong.

SurfStitch did not respond to Gold Coast Business News’s requests for an interview.

 

Full story here http://www.goldcoastbusinessnews.com.au/articles/surfstitch-sold–but-where-to-now-.html

BIGGERA Water’s $20million Harbourside Market, the Gold Coast’s newest fresh food and dining precinct, will officially open its doors for the first time at a Public Grand Opening day on Saturday May 12.
Catering to demand at the Northern end of the Coast, the anticipated European-inspired complex is set to offer the ultimate food lover’s haven, comprising a culturally-infused range of dining and fresh food outlets.
Harbourside Market Food Group director Chris Giufre said the team behind Harbourside Market is looking forward to welcoming all food connoisseurs to experience the gourmet precinct for the first time at the Grand Opening.
“It really is an exciting time for us all and we are looking forward to unveiling the marketplace to the Gold Coast community next week,” Mr Giufre said.
“We have been working tirelessly for the past 12 months to ensure that the development meets our vision and it is a momentous occasion for us all to see Harbourside Market now complete. 
“We are looking forward to seeing the marketplace come to life at the Grand Opening, and welcome everyone to experience the voluminous selections of quality, fresh and authentic produce we have on offer.”
Harbourside Market opens at 8am with the Grand Opening activities running from 9am – 4pm, including gourmet cooking demonstrations, celebrity chef appearances and live entertainment.
There will also be plenty of entertainment and activities for the kids, including face painting and balloon artistry, while parents can learn the art of gourmet food preparation.
“The Grand Opening is all about showcasing our finished product to the public for the first time,” Mr Giufre said.
Harbourside Market will capture the essence of what the Australian food industry has to offer, providing a comprehensive mix of high quality fresh produce, including ingredients sourced from the best local and international supplier’s, as well as the finest dairy and beef and succulent fresh seafood direct from the trawlers.
The site, located at 610 Oxley Drive, Biggera Waters, boasts more than 1400sqm of space on 7382sqm of land.

Find the story here http://www.mycommunityconnect.com.au/?rt=event&event_id=50861

Cosmetic renovations for Bambini’s first Capalaba childcare centre are nearing completion, with the new look centre set to officially open early next month.

Following it’s recent aquisition of A1 Kids, Bambini is set to be busier than ever.

For more info see the new piece below….

New Bambini Centre Set to Reopen