About the Brand

Hip Pocket Workwear & Safety is one of Australia’s most recognised and trusted names in the workwear and safety sector, specialising in workwear, safety footwear, PPE, corporate uniforms, and garment decoration services.

Founded in 1993 by Hugh Norris in Bendigo, Victoria, Hip Pocket has built a reputation for product quality, expert advice, and genuine customer service, and has successfully expanded to 60+ Franchise Partner-owned stores across metropolitan and regional
Australia.

The model combines the strength of a national brand and supply chain with the local ownership and community connection that only a Franchise Partner-operated business can deliver. Hip Pocket serves both retail walk-in customers and B2B corporate trade accounts, creating a resilient and scalable dual-revenue business.

Key highlights of the brand include:
• Specialist market position in the recession-resistant workwear and safety sector
• Three revenue streams: retail walk-in, B2B trade accounts, and value-added services (garment decoration, uniforms)
• 30+ years of proven systems, supplier relationships, and national brand equity
• Local ownership model — every store is owned by a Franchise Partner embedded in their community

The Franchise Opportunity

Joining the Hip Pocket Workwear & Safety franchise network offers the opportunity to own and operate your own business in one of Australia’s most resilient retail sectors, backed by a nationally recognised brand and a franchisor team who have built successful Hip Pocket businesses themselves.

Franchise Partners benefit from:
• Comprehensive initial training covering store operations, product knowledge, B2B sales, and team management
• Ongoing field support from a dedicated Franchise Support Manager, plus business coaching and mentoring
• National and local marketing support, including Marketing Central (self-service portal) and B2B lead generation
• Proven operational systems refined over 30+ years, including POS, inventory management, and Learning Central (online training platform)
• Assistance with site selection, modular store fit-out, and access to preferred supplier pricing from day one

The business model is designed to enable Franchise Partners to build a resilient, scalable business through retail sales, corporate trade accounts, and value-added services such as garment decoration, corporate uniform programs, and team fitouts — all within a structured and proven operating framework.

Ideal Franchise Partner

Hip Pocket Workwear & Safety is seeking motivated individuals who are passionate about serving their local community and committed to building a successful, long-term business in the workwear and safety sector.

The ideal franchise partner will typically have:
• Genuine customer focus and the drive to build lasting relationships with local businesses and workers
• Client relationship-building ability — the confidence to approach local employers and convert them into long-term B2B trade accounts
• Sound business acumen and a results-driven mindset, whether from a trade, management, or corporate background
• People leadership skills — the ability to recruit, develop, and lead a team that represents the Hip Pocket brand
• The financial capacity and commitment to invest in and actively operate the business, particularly in the first 12–18 months

Previous retail, trade, or safety industry experience is advantageous but not essential. Hip Pocket has successful Franchise Partners from many different backgrounds. Full training and ongoing support are provided.

Training & Support

Franchise Partners receive comprehensive support to help them establish and grow their business from day one.

Support typically includes:
• Comprehensive induction training covering store operations, product knowledge, customer service, B2B sales, inventory management, POS systems, and compliance
• Dedicated Franchise Support Manager providing regular store visits, performance reviews, and hands-on guidance
• Structured business coaching, mentoring from experienced Franchise Partners, and access to Learning Central (24/7 online training platform)< • National and local area marketing support, including B2B targeting tools, Marketing Central (customisable template portal), and marketing tool kits • Assistance with site selection, modular store fit-out, and access to the Hip Pocket network community and annual conferences Hip Pocket is owned and operated by former Franchise Partners who have built successful stores themselves. They work closely with every Franchise Partner to ensure they have the tools, knowledge, and ongoing support required to operate and grow their business effectively.

Investment Overview

The estimated investment required to establish a Hip Pocket Workwear & Safety franchise typically ranges from:

$335,000 – $545,000+

This may include:
• Franchise fee: $65,000 (ex GST)
• Store fit-out and equipment: $120,000 – $250,000+ (location dependent)
• Opening stock: $90,000 – $150,000+ (60-day terms, store size dependent)
• Training and onboarding: $14,000+ (ex GST, plus travel and accommodation to Melbourne)
• Working capital: $40,000 – $70,000+ (minimum 6–9 months)
• Legal and professional fees: $6,000 – $10,000+

The exact investment will depend on factors such as location, site size, store format, and whether you are establishing a new store or acquiring an existing one. Hip Pocket operates one of the most competitive fee structures in the Australian franchise sector, with royalties structured on stock purchases rather than revenue. Full and transparent fee disclosure is provided during the discovery phase.

Available Locations

Franchise opportunities are currently available in:

• Select metropolitan and regional territories across New South Wales
• Select metropolitan and regional territories across Victoria
• Select metropolitan and regional territories across Queensland
• Select territories across Western Australia, South Australia, and Tasmania

Some of the best remaining territories in Australia are still available. New territories may also be considered for suitable candidates. Every Franchise Partner operates within a defined, protected territory.

Next Steps

If you are interested in learning more about the Hip Pocket Workwear & Safety franchise opportunity, please submit an enquiry through Franchise4U.

A member of the Franchise4U team will contact you to discuss the opportunity and guide you through the initial stages of the franchise enquiry process.

Enquire Now

Complete the enquiry form below to request more information about this opportunity.

Disclaimer:

The information provided on this page has been supplied by the franchisor and is intended as a general overview of the franchise opportunity. Prospective franchisees should undertake their own independent due diligence and seek professional advice before entering into any franchise agreement.