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Brisbane-based activewear brand LSKD has expanded operations in a rapidly growing US market with the launch of its first warehouse to service online sales in North America.
The former pure-play online retailer, which opened its first retail outlet at Chadstone three years ago and now has 27 stores in Australia, New Zealand and the US, generates about 15 per cent of revenue from the American market.
LSKD describes the new Los Angeles warehouse as a major milestone that brings “faster shipping and a smoother shopping experience” for its US customers – most of whom are online consumers of the group’s “functional sportswear with a street aesthetic”.
LSKD, which was founded by Jason Daniel as LKI (Loose Kid Industries) in 2007 before he rebranded to LSKD in 2018, has just one US store in San Diego which was opened in 2023.
However, the company has rapidly grown its Australian bricks-and-mortar presence in the past three years to 22 stores, and a 23rd at Chatswood opening soon, along with three outlets in NZ.
Daniel says that every LSKD order destined for US customers was previously shipped from the company’s headquarters in Loganholme, south of Brisbane, where the company has a 4,000sqm facility.
Daniel notes that, while this had been an effective arrangement for the business for some time, the set-up often left US customers waiting weeks for their packages.
After listening closely to community feedback, the brand says it took the “a huge step forward” to deliver three-day shipping across the US.
"Creating a community is one of our most important values," says Daniel, the CEO of LSKD.
"We heard their feedback and wanted to be that 1 per cent better for them."
LSKD says while the new warehouse helps streamline logistics, it also reduces some tariffs associated with shipping directly from Australia.
"We're committed to giving our community the best possible experience, from the moment they hit 'checkout' to the moment their package lands at their door," says Daniel.
The US has become one of LSKD's strongest markets, achieving 100 per cent year-over-year growth to account for 15 per cent of group revenue.
The company says the sales momentum reflects a “thriving community” across the US that is embracing LSKD's mission and performance-driven products.
Since inception, LSKD has grown its business at a grassroots level through engagements with the local fitness community in the areas where it operates.
The company established its US headquarters at San Diego in an area surrounded by dozens of gyms and with a strong local fitness culture.
LSKD’s push into the US has also been aided by a partnership with health club chain Life Time Fitness, which owns more than 160 athletic country clubs across the US and Canada.
“We now have around 15 team members based in the US across various departments, supporting our growing community there,” says the company.
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