A.K.A. acquires Australian streetwear retailer Culture Kings

By

Robin Driver

Published
Apr 2, 2021

A.K.A. Brands, the direct-to-consumer fashion platform specialized in digitally native brands, has announced its acquisition of Brisbane-based multibrand streetwear retailer Culture Kings for an undisclosed sum.

 
Founded by Tah-nee and Simon Beard in 2008, Culture Kings currently boasts eight brick-and-mortar stores in Australia and a global digital presence. The retailer is known for its broad offering of more than 100 brands and its highly experiential stores, which feature DJs and interactive games.
 
Culture Kings has attracted a loyal following that includes athletes such as Australian-born NBA player Ben Simmons, who has invested in A.K.A. following its acquisition of the retailer.

Thanks to the transaction, Culture Kings will now be able to benefit from A.K.A.’s platform, which has been conceived to leverage collective scale and operational support to accelerate growth in direct-to-consumer brands.
 
“As one of the most sought after streetwear retailers today, we see significant growth opportunities as we work with Tah-nee and Simon to introduce and expand the Culture Kings experience in existing and new geographies,” said A.K.A. CEO Jill Ramsey in a release. “Through this partnership, we will provide Culture Kings the support and expertise on the business end, allowing them to focus on the art of fashion and the brand vision that customers have come to know and love.”
 
“Our vision has always been to create the next global retail phenomenon where culture and style collide. We couldn’t have found a better partner than A.K.A. to help us continue to scale our business and realize our dream of being the number one destination for streetwear across the globe,” commented Culture Kings co-founders Tah-nee and Simon Beard.
 
Culture Kings joins A.K.A.’s portfolio of digitally native direct-to-consumer brands, which includes Princess Polly, Petal & Pup and Rebdolls. Princess Polly is targeted at young female consumers, while Petal & Pup focuses on clothes for special occasions and Rebdolls offers plus-size fashion for urban women.
 
Founded in California in 2018, A.K.A. is currently working with the backing of investment firm Summit Partners to acquire digital fashion brands with strong growth potential, a solid track record and the capacity to expand into new markets.