StyleTread

About StyleTread

StyleTread is an Australian-owned and operated online footwear and accessories retailer. The company was founded in 2010 by Mark Rowland and Bjorn Behrendt and operates primarily in the internet retail industry. From its inception, StyleTread aimed to emulate the success of international online retailers like Zappos and Zalando, focusing on a capital-intensive model where it purchases and holds all inventory.

The business operates as a direct-to-consumer e-commerce platform, generating revenue by selling footwear and accessories online. Its product range caters to women, men, and children, featuring a wide selection of shoes from over 80 Australian and international brands. The inventory includes various styles such as heels, loafers, sandals, boots, and sneakers, alongside accessories like bags and clutches. The company serves customers in Australia and New Zealand, offering free delivery on orders over a certain value and a 30-day return policy to enhance the customer shopping experience.

In its early stages, StyleTread secured investments from notable sources, including a May 2011 funding round of $4.29 million from investors like Adinvest, Grazia Equity, and Mangrove Capital Partners. Nine Entertainment Company also acquired a minority stake in May 2011, a move intended to bolster the startup's credibility and provide online expertise. The company demonstrated rapid growth shortly after its launch, moving from an 800-square-meter warehouse to a 4,000-square-meter facility to accommodate its expanding operations. In 2013, StyleTread was acquired and is now part of the Accent Group, a publicly-listed footwear and clothing retail company. The website is operated by Australian Footwear Pty Ltd under a license from StyleTread Pty Ltd, both of which are subsidiaries of the Munro Footwear Group.