In 1987, the directors of Table Eight Pty Limited recognised the opportunity and need in the market place for separate retail outlets that could offer the discerning shopper, Table Eight's seconds, development stock, excess or end of season stock and overseas samples, at substantially reduced retail prices.

Consequently a partnership was developed with Jonathan Baral to create a separate company, initially called Under the Table.

From humble beginnings, the Under the Table retail chain developed so rapidly that it became "too big too soon" and was almost too successful in a short period of time - Under the Table was in danger of imploding.

The Partners of Under the Table chose to learn from the lessons the rapid growth had provided, and refined the business accordingly.

By 1997 the business had been renamed as UTT Group, and refined to seven locations trading as Table Eight Clearance Centre, offering a range of Table Eight products, clothing items sourced from outside suppliers and a limited range of accessories, with shoes in a few locations.

At the time the partners were conscious of the fact that without innovative growth, the business would be in danger of stagnation. Therefore, the product range was developed further to offer customers a "one stop shop".

As part of the "one stop shop" concept, a small range of lingerie was added to the (then) Southport location on a trial basis, in agreement with a small Queensland based supplier who was originally given the responsibility of developing the lingerie business for the Group.

However with the realisation that the scope of the task was beyond the capabilities of the Queensland supplier, a Sydney based Lingerie Buyer was recruited to develop the business.

As a result, apart from the placement of lingerie and complementary product in the Table Eight Clearance outlets, by September 2000 six Intimates Warehouse locations had been developed.

THE FUTURE

We aim to consistently deliver high quality service and develop the internet access to a ecommerce site for the Barkins brand.

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