A PROUD FAMILY SINCE 1918

Opening his first store just 100 meters from our current location in Glenferrie Road, it was Thomas’ dream to supply every school in the surrounding area with affordable school wear garments, sourced from the finest quality.

A successful menswear business early on, Thomas recognised a need for quality school uniforms and so did his son Walter Dobson who entered the business in 1935. Wal grew the business with his father and set about laying the foundations of a secure future.

Thomas passed away and it was then up to Wal to continue in his father’s footsteps. He championed anything local being appointed the Mayor of the City of Hawthorn and Justice of the Peace.

In 1949, Ian Dobson was born and was destined to follow his father. After completing his degree at the University of Monash, Ian was appointed General Manager and soon became the future of Dobsons. Being a new wave thinker, Ian’s passion for developing the business soon became apparent and his desire to take Dobsons to even greater heights forged new territory.

Ian established our first ever school shop on campus in 1985. Since then, Ian has built Dobsons into one of the largest school shop operators nationally.

Primarily focused on the Victorian market, it wasn’t until Warwick Dobson joined the business in 1996 that Dobsons expanded interstate.

Warwick’s expertise in technological advancement assisted Dobsons greatly by creating a specialised system for buying and analysing stock delivery.

In 2012, Dobsons launched an e-commerce online store providing unparalleled access and convenience for all customers. Our ability to deliver quality apparel and customer support nationwide is testament to the continued pursuit of excellence we strive for.

Dobsons innovation is best seen by our introduction of Eco-Uniforms into the Australian marketplace in our centenary year of operation. Alistair Dobson championed the new way forward specifically focussed on reducing Australia’s uniforms contributing to unnecessary waste to landfill. Dobsons now provide all customers a responsible, truely circular alternative to avoid traditional uniform waste.

Currently Dobsons operate 34+ on campus school shops, 4 major retail outlets which compliments are our work with Australia’s brightest schools via our wholesale service. Our manufacturing complex in Dandenong, Victoria wholesale’s quality products to schools, clubs and corporations across Australia, employing more than 90 staff which continues to grow today. There are now 3 direct descendants working within the company.