The world’s largest sportswear company will be in court next week as it seeks nearly $250,000 it claims it is owed by a collapsed Australian surf retailer.
SurfStitch, which touts itself as the country’s number one online surf and fashion store, fell into administration earlier this month after Nike Australia filed a winding up order against the retailer on May 20.
According to Victorian Supreme Court papers obtained by 9news.com.au, the sportswear giant claims it is owed $237,760.38 by SurfStitch, and is demanding the company be placed into liquidation.
The matter is listed to be heard in court next Wednesday.
Established in 2007, SurfStitch was one of Australia’s early successful online stores, having been valued at $500 million in 2014 shortly after it was listed on the local stock exchange.
However, it fell into administration just three years later before being bought by retail group Alquemie, then known as Alceon Retail Bidco.
Alquemie, which operates the likes of General Pants Co. and Lego stores in Australasia, in turn sold the business to a mystery buyer in May.
SurfStitch’s online store has been down for the last five weeks, with visitors to its website shown a maintenance message.
“Sorry, our site is currently undergoing maintenance,” it reads.
“We expect to be back soon. Thanks for your patience.”
It had previously sold surf and skate wear from a range of brands, including Adidas, Billabong, Levi’s, The North Face and Nike.
9news.com.au has contacted SurfStitch’s administrators for comment.
