Iconic Aussie fashion retailer Cue seeks buyer as the brand battles against struggling sales and fast fashion

By ASHLEY NICKEL, NEWS REPORTER, AUSTRALIA Published: 14:18, 12 August 2026 | Updated: 14:28, 12 August 2026 The new owner of Cue Clothing Co is looking to sell the brand after overhauling the business, but its losses remain high. British assets investor Hilco Capital – which turns around struggling businesses – bought the label from the Levis family in April last year after it turned an operating loss of $4.6million. Rod Levis founded Cue in 1968 in Sydney and it remained in the family, alongside its sister brand Veronika Maine, until the sale to Hilco for an undisclosed amount. FTI Consulting has been appointed to oversee Hilco's sale of the business after the investor increased revenue and decreased losses. Cue's sales reached $103.2million in the last financial year, compared to $98million the year prior, the Australian Financial Review reported. Its losses also dropped to $5.1million from $14.1million in the same period. 'Huge progress has been made to upgrade the leadership team, overhaul the product offering and reinvent core operations providing a powerful platform for the next chapter of growth,' marketing material for the sale reads.  'Opportunity now exists to take advantage of improved product assortment, inventory management, supply chain efficiency and digital marketing effectiveness.' Cue Clothing Co, owner of Cue (above) and Veronika Maine, has been put up for sale The brand was bought by an asset investor last year and has improved revenue while cutting losses (pictured is a Cue fashion show in 2023) Cue had a major stake in Dion Lee, which fell into administration before being bought by American clothing giant Revolve Group. The arrival of ultra-fast fashion giants like Shein and Temu in recent years has disrupted the Australian retail landscape.  Cue and Veronika Maine are more upmarket than regular fast fashion retailers – such as H&M and Zara that have also dominated the market in recent years – but also below luxury designers. They cater to professional women and largely focus on high quality workwear.  The sister brands have 51 stores combined, including 42 full-price shops and nine discount outlets. Cue and Veronika Maine also offer products through Myer, David Jones and two Ballantynes stores in New Zealand.  Hilco poached Melanie Remai from rival womenswear company Trenery to oversee Cue Clothing Co as chief executive in August 2025. The company's loans have also been refinanced through Hilco on terms that extend to July 2027.  FTI Consulting claimed Cue's sales are expected to reach $128.7million this financial year.