SA Chapter HALL OF FAME

Web: www.trims.com.au

During the economically uncertain times of 1937, twin brothers, Alf and John Trim, saw a business opportunity in selling and hiring reconditioned clothing. They opened a very small store in King William Street, Adelaide and it was a success.

Gradually, as the economy improved after World War II, the second-hand clothing was phased out and replaced with affordable clothing, footwear and accessories, including strong Australian brands with a good reputation.

During the next few decades, whenever a property adjacent to their shop became available, the Trim twins snapped it up and expanded the original store. Eventually Alf and John occupied the complete corner of King William and Carrington Streets, which by then had become the iconic Adelaide landmark known as ‘Trims' corner'.

One of Trims' claims to fame is the fact that they were the first Australian retailers to establish an R M Williams concept store. Another lesser known fact is that Trims – the largest stockist of Levi's in Australia – became known as the ‘denim destination' in Adelaide.

In the 1990s, Alf's son, Russell, as the second-generation Managing Director, led the opening of a store in Westfield Marion by focusing on the youth market, and in 2006 continued the Trim habit of spreading next door by launching a dedicated workwear store in an adjacent retail space. The expansion continued also with a store opening at Tea Tree Plaza.

The succession to the third Trim generation began with Alf's grandson. Justin Trim carries the role of Retail Manager in a family business that for over seventy years has had to find business opportunities to fit the ever-changing economic and fashion scene. Not only have the Trims survived and prospered, they have given Adelaide an icon – a name that every South Australian knows as part of the local vocabulary and heritage.

Trims was inducted into the FBA(SA) Hall of Fame in 2008.