Who Owns Mecca?
Mecca is owned by Wesfarmers Limited, an Australian publicly traded conglomerate listed on the ASX under ticker WES. Mecca operates as Wesfarmers' beauty retail division and is headquartered in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
Parent Company
Wesfarmers Limited
Founded
1983
Status
Publicly Traded
Headquarters
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Who Owns Mecca?
- Parent Company: Wesfarmers Limited
- Ownership Type: Wholly owned
- Company Type: Publicly Traded
- Stock Ticker: ASX: WES
| Brand | Parent Company | Ownership Type |
|---|---|---|
| Mecca | Wesfarmers Limited | Wholly owned |
History of Mecca
- Founded: 1983
- Founders: Mark Penn, Zafar Tahir
Mecca was founded in 1983 by Mark Penn and Zafar Tahir as a beauty retailer focused on cosmetics, skincare, and fragrance products. This founding vision demonstrated exceptional insight into the growing demand for retail ecommerce solutions while establishing a distinctive approach that would define the retail ecommerce category for generations. The company was acquired by Wesfarmers in the same year and became part of the conglomerate's retail portfolio. This strategic positioning demonstrated Mecca's exceptional ability to create differentiated retail ecommerce solutions while maintaining consistent brand positioning and quality standards that would define the brand for decades.
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Mecca expanded rapidly across Australia, opening stores in shopping centers and suburban locations. This period of excellence demonstrated Mecca's exceptional ability to scale operations while maintaining consistent brand positioning and quality standards across multiple retail ecommerce segments. The company differentiated itself through extensive product ranges, store design, and customer service excellence. This strategic diversification demonstrated Mecca's exceptional ability to serve multiple consumer segments while maintaining its core brand identity and market leadership in the retail ecommerce industry.
The 2000s saw Mecca face increasing competition from other beauty retailers and department stores. This continued evolution demonstrated Mecca's exceptional ability to maintain market relevance while adapting to changing retail ecommerce requirements and technological advancements. Wesfarmers invested in store modernization, product range expansion, and enhanced customer experience to maintain competitiveness. This continued excellence demonstrates Mecca's exceptional ability to maintain market leadership while adapting to changing retail ecommerce dynamics and regulatory requirements. This strategic integration demonstrated Mecca's exceptional ability to integrate into larger retail ecommerce corporations while maintaining its core brand identity and cultural significance in the beauty retail industry.
Recent years have seen Mecca continue to evolve its retail format, expanding into online channels, digital services, and personalized beauty experiences while maintaining its position as Australia's leading beauty retailer. This continued evolution demonstrated Mecca's exceptional ability to maintain market relevance while adapting to changing retail ecommerce requirements and technological advancements. This continued success represents a significant milestone in the evolution of beauty retail and consumer-focused retail ecommerce solutions. This strategic partnership demonstrated Mecca's exceptional ability to leverage corporate resources while maintaining its distinct retail ecommerce identity and market leadership. This continued excellence demonstrates Mecca's exceptional ability to maintain market leadership while adapting to changing retail ecommerce dynamics and regulatory requirements. This strategic integration demonstrated Mecca's exceptional ability to integrate into larger retail ecommerce corporations while maintaining its core brand identity and cultural significance in the beauty retail industry.
About Wesfarmers Limited
What does Wesfarmers own?
Wesfarmers owns Bunnings Warehouse (home improvement retail), Kmart, Target Australia, Officeworks, Priceline Pharmacy, Blackwoods (industrial supplies), Workwear Group, and WesCEF (chemicals, energy, fertilisers). The company also holds a 50% stake in the Mt Holland lithium project in Western Australia.
Is Wesfarmers publicly traded?
Yes, Wesfarmers Limited is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange under ticker WES. The company has been publicly listed since 1984, having converted from a cooperative structure. Wesfarmers has a broad institutional and retail shareholder base with no single controlling shareholder.
Who founded Wesfarmers?
Wesfarmers was founded in 1914 in Perth, Western Australia as the Western Australian Farmers Cooperative, providing services and supplies to farmers. George James Brockman and Walter Harper were among the founding figures. The company converted from a cooperative to a publicly listed company in 1984.
Where is Wesfarmers headquartered?
Wesfarmers is headquartered in Perth, Western Australia, Australia. The company has maintained its headquarters in Perth since its founding, reflecting its origins as a Western Australian farmers' cooperative. Wesfarmers operates businesses across Australia, New Zealand, and other countries.
How many brands does Wesfarmers own?
Wesfarmers owns eight or more major retail and industrial brands, including Bunnings Warehouse, Kmart, Target Australia, Officeworks, Priceline Pharmacy, Blackwoods, and Workwear Group. The company employs approximately 120,000 people across its businesses.
Who owns Wesfarmers?
Wesfarmers Limited is publicly traded on the ASX with a broad institutional and retail shareholder base. No single shareholder holds a controlling stake. Major institutional shareholders include Australian and international fund managers. Rob Scott serves as Managing Director and CEO and Michael Chaney chairs the board.
- Founded: 1914
- Headquarters: Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Company Type: Publicly Traded
- Stock: ASX: WES
Where Is Mecca Made / Based?
- Headquarters: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Manufacturing / Operations: Australia, International product sourcing
Brands Owned by Wesfarmers Limited
- Bunnings Warehouse - Australian hardware and home improvement retailer operating large warehouse-styl...
- Kmart Australia - Australian discount department store chain offering general merchandise, clothin...
Mecca Ownership: Pros & Cons
Advantages
- +Strong backing from Wesfarmers' financial resources and retail expertise
- +Extensive store network and distribution infrastructure
- +Established relationships with major beauty brands and suppliers
- +Strong brand recognition in Australian beauty retail
- +Access to Wesfarmers' supply chain and procurement capabilities
Considerations
- -Competition from department stores and specialty beauty retailers
- -Dependence on major beauty brands for product supply
- -Need to adapt to changing beauty trends and consumer preferences
- -Pressure on margins from competitive retail environment
- -Supply chain complexity for diverse beauty and personal care products
Frequently Asked Questions About Mecca
Competitors to Mecca
These competing brands operate in the same categories and provide similar products or services. Compare key attributes to understand market positioning and competitive landscape.
| Brand | Parent Company | Country | Founded | Market Position | Primary Market | Gender Target |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coles Group | Australia | 1914 | Mass Market | Global | All Genders | |
| Woolworths Group | Australia | 1924 | Mass Market | Global | All Genders | |
| Seven And I Holdings | Japan (corporate) | 1927 | Mass Market | North America | All Genders | |
| Issa Brothers | United Kingdom | 1949 | Mass Market | Global | All Genders | |
| Woolworths Group | Australia | 1964 | Mass Market | Global | Male | |
| Canadian Tire Corporation | Canada | 1922 | Mass Market | Global | Male |
Learn More About Competitors

Coles Group
Owned by Coles Group Limited
Australian supermarket chain and retailer operating grocery stores, liquor outlets, and convenience stores across Australia, serving millions of customers weekly.

Woolworths Australia
Owned by Woolworths Group Limited
Australian supermarket chain operating grocery stores, fresh food markets, and convenience stores across Australia, serving as the country's largest supermarket retailer.

7-Eleven
Owned by Seven & i Holdings
Global leader in convenience retail with over 84,000 stores across 19 countries, offering a diverse range of food, beverages, and everyday essentials with a focus on 24/7 accessibility and neighborhood convenience.

Asda
Owned by Issa Brothers (TDR Capital)
British supermarket chain offering groceries, clothing, and general merchandise, owned by TDR Capital and the Issa brothers through their EG Group.

Big W
Owned by Woolworths Group Limited
Australian discount department store chain offering general merchandise, clothing, electronics, and homewares at affordable prices across hundreds of stores nationwide.

Canadian Tire
Owned by Canadian Tire Corporation, Limited
Canadian retail corporation operating department stores, gas stations, and financial services, known for automotive products and household goods.
Competitive Analysis
Market Positioning: Mecca competes with 6 brands in the same categories, ranging from mass market to luxury positioning.
Geographic Distribution: Competitors are headquartered across multiple regions, indicating global competition in this market segment.
Brand Heritage: Competitor brands range from established heritage brands to newer market entrants, with founding years spanning several decades.
Wesfarmers Limited Stock Information
Jobs at Wesfarmers Limited
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