Well Suited | Victor Mellick
Well Suited
Victor Mellick
Words by Stacey Carrick | Photo by Catherine Coombs
Victor Mellick has been in the fashion industry for close to 60 years, yet he is the first to admit a business is only as good as its staff.
At 75 years young, Victor continues to work most days and his passion is evident as he explains his love of quality men’s fashion and passing on his knowledge and expertise to his staff.
The Victor Mellick Men’s Fashions owner believes in good old-fashioned customer service, with friendly, personal and honest advice.
These qualities have been instilled into his staff, who share his love of fashion and excellent customer service. Victor is clearly proud of his team.
“They offer personal service, they work very hard and they know the product very well,” he said.
“They advise customers on the right garments and give them true, honest advice.”
Victor said he is extremely happy with the team he currently has under his wing.
There are three full-time staff, including Dan Kruger.
“Dan and I have worked side by side for eight years,” Victor said.
“He is capable of giving the best advice – I can’t give him enough praise.
“Michael Lian and Tim Howley have worked with me for over 12 months and they are brilliant. I have lots of confidence in their expertise and ability.
“My staff work really well together as a team. Looking towards the future I feel very confident.”
It is a bright future indeed for Victor, who remains positive in the face of any mention of economic downturn.
“Our business has improved despite the downturn in the industry,” he said. “Our turnover has increased every year.
“I know how the industry works and I work very hard to keep up with the latest trends.
“I doubt any fashion store in Australia has what I have in terms of variety, quality and fashion trends.
“We have top European labels, we are well stocked and we are your one stop shop for variety.
“We are your complete fashion store where you can buy your whole ensemble, catering for the very casual to the very dressy under the one roof.
“The people I work with and mix with are a younger crowd, so I know the latest fashions and I keep up to date with what suits Australia.”
Victor regularly travels to Europe and Australian capital cities, with staff accompanying him as he is shown the next season’s fabrics and styles, ensuring he is kept up to date with the latest trends.
He believes businesses such as his are able to succeed due to excellent customer service and product knowledge.
“Customers say it is an experience to shop here,” he said.
“You have to look at the market and do something different and better than your competitor so people will want to come to your store.”
As well as offering a wide range of the latest styles, Victor Mellick Men’s Fashions provides a fitting service.
“We are very particular about ensuring clothing is fitted properly,” Victor said.
“You could be wearing the best garments, but we need to make sure they are fitted correctly.”
Victor was born and bred in Cairns, along with his brother Bruce, who proudly operates Bruce Mellick Optometry.
“We are a very close-knit family, we offer each other advice,” Victor said. “I am proud of him, as I am of my sister and my other two brothers.”
There is no sign of slowing down for Victor, who is looking towards the future.
“I am looking ahead and am always aiming to make the store even better,” he said.
Victor Mellick Men’s Fashions
105 Abbott St, Cairns
Ph: 4051 2114
www.victormellick.com.au
