Media Release – Friday 30 November 2012
A new chapter in the life of Canberra high-end fashion icon Millers of Manuka is on the horizon, with the announcement that the business is on the market for the first time since its opening in 1957.
After 55 years of supplying Canberra women with leading European fashion labels — from Armani to Missoni — the business is leaving the family, opening the way for a new owner. The announcement was made last night to a gathering of loyal clients at the Miller’s Autumn/Winter 2013 fashion preview.
“The business may be on the market, but Millers of Manuka is not closing its doors,” said Dorothy Roberts, owner of Millers of Manuka and daughter of original proprietor Mary Miller.
“After operating for so many years, it’s no surprise that Millers has very loyal client base. We’re committed to ensuring the new owner understands this and will uphold the longstanding traditions of Millers into the future — from the quality of our fashion, to our standards of customer service,” Dorothy continued.
Millers of Manuka is synonymous with Canberra high-end fashion. Opened by Mary Miller in 1957, Millers specialises in timeless, classic fashion for the discerning shopper, straight from the catwalks of Italy and Germany. The retailer has a strong reputation both locally and interstate, and is proud of its personalized customer service which is far removed from that offered by many modern fashion stores.
“Millers has always been about more than clothing. It’s been about our relationships with clients. We’ve gone on the journey with our clients as they grow up, get married and have children. We’ve even served three generations of women from the same family,” said Dorothy.
Whilst Millers of Manuka has certainly had its place with Prime Minister’s wives and businesswomen — and even celebrities such as Dame Joan Sutherland — it’s the everyday customers who also enjoy the attention and rapport of the loyal sales team, who will remain with the business. Many Canberrans have a story about Millers to share.
“Once a suitable owner is found, we’ll work closely together through the transition period. With fashion collections for next year’s winter and summer seasons already purchased, we’re hopeful the icon that is Millers of Manuka will continue unabated into 2014 and beyond,” she said.