Oz Hair and Beauty is doubling down on its retail expansion strategy in 2026, marking one of the most aggressive growth phases for any Australian hair and beauty retailer.
After successfully opening 15 stores by late 2024, the company is now charging toward its ambitious goal of 50 stores by the end of 2026.
This rapid expansion reflects founder Anthony Nappa’s vision of creating Australia’s most accessible hair and beauty destination, backed by multi-million-dollar investment and a proven omnichannel model that outperforms pure e-commerce competitors.
New Store Locations Opening in 2026
Oz Hair and Beauty’s 2026 expansion will push the retailer beyond its NSW stronghold into key markets across Victoria, Queensland, and the ACT. Confirmed and planned locations include:
Victoria Expansion:
- Melbourne CBD flagship store
- Chadstone Shopping Centre
- Highpoint Shopping Centre
- Frankston and Dandenong regional hubs
Queensland Growth:
- Brisbane CBD premium location
- Gold Coast (Pacific Fair)
- Sunshine Coast expansion
- Cairns regional store
ACT and Regional NSW:
- Canberra Centre
- Wollongong Crown Street
- Newcastle expansion (beyond existing Charlestown store)
- Additional Western Sydney locations
This geographic diversification strategy targets both metropolitan shopping centers and regional communities underserved by premium beauty retailers. The company is prioritizing high-footfall shopping centers where customers already shop for fashion and lifestyle products, creating natural synergies with the hair and beauty category.
From E-commerce to Omnichannel Leader
Founded in 2012 by Anthony Nappa—who grew up in his family’s Paddington salon established in 1986—Oz Hair and Beauty started as a pure online retailer. The company recognized early that Australian consumers craved access to premium hair products and beauty products typically locked behind salon doors.
After building a loyal online customer base, the business pivoted to a bricks and clicks model in 2019, opening its first physical shop fronts. By 2024, the company operated 15 stores across NSW, with physical retail now representing 20% of total sales. This figure is projected to reach 50% as the retail footprint expands to 50 locations.
The secret sauce? Shopify POS integration that seamlessly connects online inventory with in-store systems, enabling click-and-collect services and unified customer experiences. This omnichannel retailer approach has proven that physical stores enhance rather than cannibalize online sales, with bricks-and-mortar locations boosting overall revenue by approximately 7% compared to pure digital operations.
Investment Backing Fuels Rapid Growth
Oz Hair and Beauty’s expansion wouldn’t be possible without significant financial backing. In 2021, a consortium led by Accent Group’s Daniel Agostinelli, retail veteran Brett Blundy, and Edison Growth Fund acquired a substantial stake in the business, injecting multi-million dollar investment capital.
The results have been transformative:
- Revenue growth: From $2 million monthly in 2021 to $40 million annually by 2024
- Employee expansion: From 120 staff to a projected 165+ employees by end of 2026
- Store count: Accelerating from 15 to 50 locations within two years
- Market positioning: Establishing as Australia’s leading specialty haircare and beauty retailer
This capital has funded strategic lease acquisitions in premium shopping centers, sophisticated inventory management systems, and the expert staff training programs that differentiate the brand from discount competitors.
Why Physical Stores Matter for Oz Hair and Beauty
While many retailers struggled with pandemic-era shifts to digital, Oz Hair and Beauty discovered that physical stores are essential for the hair and beauty category. Here’s why the bricks and clicks model is winning:
Economic Realities:
- E-commerce costs have risen dramatically (postage up 15%, overall fulfillment costs up 20%)
- Physical retail offers better unit economics for bulky hair product orders
- Click-and-collect services eliminate shipping costs while driving store visits
Customer Behavior:
- Shoppers value in-person consultations with expert staff
- Complex hair concerns require personalized product recommendations
- Sensory experience matters—customers want to smell, touch, and test products
- Immediate gratification trumps waiting for delivery
Category Characteristics:
- Hair and beauty spending remains recession-resistant
- Premium products command higher margins in-store
- Professional recommendations increase average transaction values
- The category lends itself to impulse purchases when browsing physically
Anthony Nappa’s background—growing up in his father Guy Nappa’s Paddington salon—gives him unique insight into what customers need: trusted advice combined with professional-grade product access.
The Vision: Nationwide Hair and Beauty Destination
Oz Hair and Beauty’s 50-store target aligns with broader Australian beauty market growth, which is forecast to reach $8.09 billion by 2028. The company is positioning itself as the go-to destination for:
- Premium product range: Curated selection from global brands typically available only through salons
- Competitive pricing: Online-level pricing in physical locations
- Expert service: Staff trained to provide salon-quality consultations
- Omnichannel convenience: Shop online, in-store, or via click-and-collect
This strategy differentiates Oz Hair and Beauty from department stores (limited selection, higher prices) and pure online retailers (no personalized service). The vision extends beyond mere store count—Anthony Nappa aims to build “Australia’s most loved hair and beauty community,” where customers trust the brand for both products and expertise.
The family legacy matters here. With roots in the salon business since 1986, the Nappa family understands that hair and beauty is fundamentally a relationship business, something that physical stores enable in ways pure e-commerce cannot replicate.
Conclusion
Oz Hair and Beauty’s 2026 expansion represents a bold bet on physical retail at a time when many retailers are retrenching. With confirmed store openings across Victoria, Queensland, and the ACT, the company is well-positioned to achieve its 50-store goal by year-end.
Strong investment backing, proven omnichannel economics, and genuine category expertise give this Australian hair and beauty retailer significant competitive advantages as it builds a nationwide presence.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Oz Hair and Beauty stores will open in 2026?
Oz Hair and Beauty plans to expand from 15 stores to 50 stores by the end of 2026, with new locations opening across Victoria, Queensland, and the ACT.
Where are the new Oz Hair and Beauty locations?
New stores are confirmed for Melbourne (Chadstone, Highpoint), Brisbane CBD, Gold Coast’s Pacific Fair, Canberra Centre, and multiple regional locations across Australia.
Who owns Oz Hair and Beauty?
Founded by Anthony Nappa in 2012, the company received major investment in 2021 from Daniel Agostinelli, Brett Blundy, and Edison Partners.
What makes Oz Hair and Beauty different from other retailers?
The company combines premium salon-quality products with competitive online pricing, expert in-store consultations, and omnichannel convenience through its bricks and clicks model.
Does Oz Hair and Beauty offer click-and-collect?
Yes, the Shopify POS integration enables seamless click-and-collect services across all store locations, combining online shopping convenience with immediate pickup.
