If you’ve ever shopped for big and tall men’s clothing in Australia, you’ve probably come across AXL+CO. This brand, owned by Retail Apparel Group, operates 18 stores nationwide and an online store, offering suits, shirts, and casual wear in sizes up to 9XL. But beyond the accessible price points and long return window, questions remain about the brand’s ethical sourcing and transparency.
Stores in Australia: 18 ·
Parent company: Retail Apparel Group ·
Product categories: Men’s apparel, suits, shirts, basics ·
Online availability: 24/7 web store
Quick snapshot
- Owned by Retail Apparel Group (Wikipedia – Retail Apparel Group summary)
- 18 stores across Australia (AXL+CO homepage)
- Sells men’s suits, shirts, casual basics, and accessories (AXL+CO homepage)
- Free returns within 365 days (AXL+CO homepage)
- Exact founding date of the brand
- Full details of supply chain ethics
- Precise number of employees
- AXL+CO operates under Retail Apparel Group, which is wholly owned by the Foschini Group (Wikipedia – Retail Apparel Group)
- Maintains 18 Australian stores and a 24/7 online store (AXL+CO homepage)
- Customer service available Monday–Friday 9am–5pm AEST (AXL+CO contact page)
Five key facts, one pattern: AXL+CO’s entire value proposition hinges on size inclusivity and convenience, but its ethical framework remains largely self-reported.
AXL+CO’s 18-store network plus strong online logistics mean most Australian men who need extended sizes can access the brand without hassle – but ethical shoppers will want to verify claims independently.
Generous policies (365-day returns, free shipping over $50) lower the risk for first-time buyers, but the lack of independent ethical audits means the brand’s values remain an act of faith.
| Fact | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Parent company | Retail Apparel Group (owned by Foschini Group) | Wikipedia – Retail Apparel Group |
| Headquarters | Australia | AXL+CO contact page |
| Number of stores | 18 (as of 2024) | AXL+CO homepage |
| Product focus | Men’s apparel: suits, shirts, casual basics, footwear | AXL+CO homepage |
| Online presence | axlandco.au, open 24/7 | AXL+CO homepage |
| Size range | XL to 9XL (up to 7XL per about page) | AXL+CO homepage; AXL+CO about page |
| Return policy | Free returns within 365 days | AXL+CO homepage |
| Free shipping threshold | Free shipping over $50 | AXL+CO homepage |
| Click & collect | Free 1-hour click & collect | AXL+CO homepage |
| Customer service hours | Mon–Fri 9am–5pm AEST, closed NSW public holidays | AXL+CO contact page |
Who owns Axl and Co.?
AXL+CO is a brand operated by Retail Apparel Group (RAG), an Australian retail company wholly owned by the South Africa–based Foschini Group (Wikipedia – Retail Apparel Group). RAG’s portfolio includes several apparel brands, with AXL+CO positioned as its big-and-tall menswear offering.
Retail Apparel Group as parent
- RAG is an Australian company that manages AXL+CO stores in Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore (Wikipedia – Retail Apparel Group).
- The Foschini Group acquired RAG in 2013, making AXL+CO part of a global retail group.
History of the brand under RAG
AXL+CO was launched by Retail Apparel Group as a dedicated big-and-tall men’s clothing chain. The brand’s online and storefront presence has grown steadily; it currently lists 18 locations in Australia (AXL+CO homepage). No precise founding year is provided on the brand’s official pages, but RAG has operated the brand for well over a decade.
The implication: ownership by a large, publicly-traded parent gives AXL+CO distribution muscle but ties its ethical posture to RAG’s broader policies.
What kind of products does Axl and Co sell?
AXL+CO describes itself as a “big and tall menswear” brand offering a full wardrobe lineup. According to its homepage, the product range includes tees, shirts, pants, suits, footwear, and more.
Men’s apparel overview
- Casual basics: T-shirts, polo shirts, casual shirts, hoodies, jeans, shorts.
- Formal and business: Suits, dress shirts, chinos, blazers, ties.
- Footwear: Casual and dress shoes.
Suits and formal wear
The suit range covers classic and modern fits in sizes up to 9XL, with jacket and trouser separates available. All suits are sold as sets, and the brand emphasises “thoughtful design, comfort, and value” (AXL+CO homepage).
Shirts and casual basics
Dress shirts, casual button-ups, and polo shirts form the core of the casual and smart-casual categories. Many shirts feature inclusive sizing and extended sleeve lengths.
Accessories and other items
The accessory line includes belts, socks, bags, and hats – all in extended sizes where relevant.
The pattern: the breadth is typical of fast-fashion, but the focus on larger sizes is a clear differentiator in the Australian market.
Is Axl and Co an ethical brand?
AXL+CO maintains a dedicated Social Responsibility page, where it states a commitment to “sourcing products in an ethically, socially, and environmentally responsible manner.” However, the page lacks third-party certifications or independent audit links.
Social responsibility initiatives
- AXL+CO says it expects suppliers to comply with local labour laws and ethical standards (AXL+CO Social Responsibility page).
- No specific factory audit reports or membership in multi-stakeholder initiatives (e.g., Fair Wear, Ethical Trading Initiative) are disclosed.
Supply chain transparency
The brand does not publish a full list of supplier factories or country-of-origin breakdowns. This opacity is common among mid-market fast-fashion retailers.
Comparison with ethical benchmarks
Baptist World Aid Australia’s Ethical Fashion Guide does not include AXL+CO in its latest rankings, suggesting the brand has not submitted to independent assessment. Without such benchmarks, shoppers cannot independently verify the brand’s claims.
Why this matters: for consumers who prioritise verified ethical sourcing, AXL+CO offers only self-reported promises and no independent validation.
Does High and Mighty still exist?
High and Mighty was historically a big-and-tall menswear retailer in Australia, but its current operational status under Retail Apparel Group is unclear. Wikipedia’s entry for Retail Apparel Group lists AXL+CO as an operating brand but does not mention High and Mighty, suggesting the latter may no longer be active as a separate chain.
High and Mighty current status
- No recent store locator or active website for High and Mighty appears in public records.
- RAG’s brand portfolio appears to have consolidated around AXL+CO as its core big-and-tall banner.
Comparison with AXL+CO sizing
AXL+CO offers sizes up to 9XL, matching the extended-size focus that High and Mighty once provided. Without an active High and Mighty presence, AXL+CO effectively inherits that customer base.
The pattern: AXL+CO’s size range is now the default choice for Australian men needing XL+ formal and casual wear.
Where are AXL+CO stores located in Australia?
AXL+CO’s homepage states the brand operates 18 stores across Australia. While the site does not provide a store list on the main page, the brand’s contact information and store locator (available through its menu) indicate presence in all major capital cities.
Sydney stores
- Multiple locations in metro Sydney, including shopping centres.
- Customer service is reachable at 1300 295 026 (AXL+CO contact page).
Melbourne stores
- Several stores in Melbourne’s retail hubs.
Brisbane stores
- AXL+CO has outlets in and around Brisbane.
Other locations
- Additional stores in cities such as Adelaide, Perth, and Canberra, plus regional centres.
- Online store open 24/7 with free shipping over $50 and free click & collect.
The catch: while 18 stores is a decent footprint, customers in smaller towns must rely on the online channel – which is well supported with free returns.
Pros and cons of AXL+CO
Upsides
- Wide size range (XL to 9XL) – inclusive for big and tall men (AXL+CO homepage)
- Free returns within 365 days – risk-free trial (AXL+CO homepage)
- Free shipping over $50 (AXL+CO homepage)
- Free 1-hour click & collect available (AXL+CO homepage)
- 18 physical stores across Australia (AXL+CO homepage)
Downsides
- No independent ethical certification or audit reports available
- Supply chain details not publicly disclosed
- Customer service only weekdays 9am–5pm AEST (AXL+CO contact page)
- No clear international shipping policy – likely Australia-only for direct sales
What we know and what remains unclear
Confirmed facts
- AXL+CO is owned by Retail Apparel Group (Wikipedia – Retail Apparel Group)
- Operates 18 stores across Australia (AXL+CO homepage)
- Sells men’s suits, shirts, casual basics, and accessories (AXL+CO homepage)
- Offers free returns for 365 days (AXL+CO homepage)
- Has a dedicated Social Responsibility page (AXL+CO Social Responsibility page)
What’s unclear
- Exact founding date of AXL+CO
- Full details of factory conditions and worker wages
- Number of employees
- Whether the brand has been independently audited for ethical compliance
“AXL+CO is committed to sourcing products in an ethically, socially, and environmentally responsible manner.”
— AXL+CO Social Responsibility page
“AXL+CO offers thoughtful design, comfort, and value.”
— AXL+CO homepage
For Australian shoppers in the big and tall segment, AXL+CO offers an accessible option with generous return policies. However, those prioritising verified ethical sourcing may need to look elsewhere. The choice is clear: for size availability and convenience, AXL+CO delivers; for full transparency, the brand still has ground to cover.
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Frequently asked questions
How do AXL+CO shirts fit?
AXL+CO shirts are designed for larger frames, with extended sizes up to 9XL. Customer reviews on ProductReview.com.au generally note consistent sizing, but it’s recommended to check the size chart on the product page.
What is AXL+CO’s return policy?
AXL+CO offers free returns within 365 days of purchase, as stated on its homepage. Items must be unworn with tags attached.
Does AXL+CO offer free shipping?
Yes, free standard shipping is available on orders over $50 (AXL+CO homepage).
Are AXL+CO suits good quality?
The brand positions its suits as offering “thoughtful design, comfort, and value” (AXL+CO homepage). Customer reviews on external sites generally rate the quality as good for the price point, but no independent fabric or construction audits are available.
Is AXL+CO available outside Australia?
AXL+CO’s online store (axlandco.au) ships within Australia. The brand does not prominently advertise international shipping. Stores are located only in Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore according to Wikipedia – Retail Apparel Group.
What is the price range of AXL+CO products?
AXL+CO targets the mid-market: T-shirts start around $20, shirts $40–$60, suits $150–$300. Exact prices vary.
Noah Fraser is Senior Reporter at Australia Voice, covering breaking stories and explainers.