Streetwear IPOs, Fashion Inflation and the Housing Crunch

Black Friday may be done and dusted, but the retail news machine definitely isn’t. This week, Mal and Alex unpack everything from the world’s first streetwear IPO to the grim reality of Aussies spending nearly half their income just keeping a roof over their heads. Add in fashion inflation, a Shein copying scandal, and the FDA doing something very questionable with cosmetic safety… and you’ve got yourself a spicy episode of This Week in Ecommerce.

• Human Made becomes the first streetwear brand to IPO — and investors go wild with a 12% opening-day surge. Can streetwear stay cool when shareholder value enters the chat?

• Surfstitch is relaunching with a focus on Aussie brands, but can they rebuild trust after years of brand damage and discount-driven decline?

• Fashion inflation hits 5.4% YoY, higher than total inflation. With costs rising across labour, materials and operations, retailers are facing the double-edged sword of higher prices and lower demand.

• Housing affordability crisis: Aussies are now spending a staggering 45% of household income on accommodation — and a terrifying 68% in Sydney. Mal and Alex break down what this means for discretionary spend, the rise of thrift and circular fashion, and how brands can adapt their assortment and value proposition.

• Shein accused of copying Last June within weeks: A new designer launches, and Shein allegedly pounces almost immediately. The duo unpack what this means for creativity, cultural value, IP protection, and why consumers need to care about originality.

• FDA withdraws mandatory asbestos testing for talc-based cosmetics: Yes, really. Mal and Alex explore the implications for global supply chains, safety standards, consumer trust, and why brands should expect increased scrutiny — even in markets like Australia.