Image: The Sydney Morning HeraldThePoulakis family, once the owners of collapsed luxury menswear retailerHarrolds, is selling another big piece of Melbourne’s CBD.Their property, themajestic Customs House at 325–331 Flinders Lane, has just hit the market with a price tag of more than$23 million.From fashion empire to property salesHarrolds was founded in 1985 byJohn Poulakisand became known for carrying world-famous labels like Versace, Balmain, Tom Ford, and Stella McCartney. But in 2024, the retailer went into liquidation, leaving behind more than$12 million in debtsowed to staff, the tax office, and global fashion houses.Since then, the family has been shifting its focus to property. Just last year, they sold another CBD site, the formerVictoria University campus at 301 Flinders Lane, to education group Laurus for around$24 million.A landmark building with historyCustoms House is no small offering. Bought in 2001 for just$3.9 million, the six-storey building sits on one of the largest land parcels in Flinders Lane. It covers more than3,000 square metresand features ceiling heights of over four metres. The building also backs onto the prestigious333 Collins Streetoffice tower, giving it strong appeal for investors.The property is being marketed by Cushman & Wakefield agents, though they’ve stayed quiet on details.Family ties and financesRecords show the building is owned throughZellvest, an investment company originally set up by John Poulakis and now run by his sons,Alexander and Ross. The brothers also control Mill Place Investments, which has bought several CBD sites over the years.Although Harrolds’ liquidators have said the family’s property companies are separate from the collapsed retailer, questions remain. Reports suggest Harrolds made$13.3 million in loansto family-linked entities, and efforts to recover that money are ongoing.The next chapterWhile Harrolds is gone, its legacy hasn’t fully disappeared. Some former staff members have revived the retailer in Sydney, giving the brand a second life outside Melbourne.For the Poulakis family, however, the spotlight is now firmly onMelbourne propertyand the sale of Customs House could mark another major step in their post-retail journey.Source:Nicole Lindsay. “Collapsed Harrolds owners have another CBD property up their sleeves.”The Sydney Morning Herald, September 13, 2025. Accessed September 16, 2025.Previous ArticleNext Article
ThePoulakis family, once the owners of collapsed luxury menswear retailerHarrolds, is selling another big piece of Melbourne’s CBD.Their property, themajestic Customs House at 325–331 Flinders Lane, has just hit the market with a price tag of more than$23 million.From fashion empire to property salesHarrolds was founded in 1985 byJohn Poulakisand became known for carrying world-famous labels like Versace, Balmain, Tom Ford, and Stella McCartney. But in 2024, the retailer went into liquidation, leaving behind more than$12 million in debtsowed to staff, the tax office, and global fashion houses.Since then, the family has been shifting its focus to property. Just last year, they sold another CBD site, the formerVictoria University campus at 301 Flinders Lane, to education group Laurus for around$24 million.A landmark building with historyCustoms House is no small offering. Bought in 2001 for just$3.9 million, the six-storey building sits on one of the largest land parcels in Flinders Lane. It covers more than3,000 square metresand features ceiling heights of over four metres. The building also backs onto the prestigious333 Collins Streetoffice tower, giving it strong appeal for investors.The property is being marketed by Cushman & Wakefield agents, though they’ve stayed quiet on details.Family ties and financesRecords show the building is owned throughZellvest, an investment company originally set up by John Poulakis and now run by his sons,Alexander and Ross. The brothers also control Mill Place Investments, which has bought several CBD sites over the years.Although Harrolds’ liquidators have said the family’s property companies are separate from the collapsed retailer, questions remain. Reports suggest Harrolds made$13.3 million in loansto family-linked entities, and efforts to recover that money are ongoing.The next chapterWhile Harrolds is gone, its legacy hasn’t fully disappeared. Some former staff members have revived the retailer in Sydney, giving the brand a second life outside Melbourne.For the Poulakis family, however, the spotlight is now firmly onMelbourne propertyand the sale of Customs House could mark another major step in their post-retail journey.Source:Nicole Lindsay. “Collapsed Harrolds owners have another CBD property up their sleeves.”The Sydney Morning Herald, September 13, 2025. Accessed September 16, 2025.Previous ArticleNext Article
ThePoulakis family, once the owners of collapsed luxury menswear retailerHarrolds, is selling another big piece of Melbourne’s CBD.Their property, themajestic Customs House at 325–331 Flinders Lane, has just hit the market with a price tag of more than$23 million.From fashion empire to property salesHarrolds was founded in 1985 byJohn Poulakisand became known for carrying world-famous labels like Versace, Balmain, Tom Ford, and Stella McCartney. But in 2024, the retailer went into liquidation, leaving behind more than$12 million in debtsowed to staff, the tax office, and global fashion houses.Since then, the family has been shifting its focus to property. Just last year, they sold another CBD site, the formerVictoria University campus at 301 Flinders Lane, to education group Laurus for around$24 million.A landmark building with historyCustoms House is no small offering. Bought in 2001 for just$3.9 million, the six-storey building sits on one of the largest land parcels in Flinders Lane. It covers more than3,000 square metresand features ceiling heights of over four metres. The building also backs onto the prestigious333 Collins Streetoffice tower, giving it strong appeal for investors.The property is being marketed by Cushman & Wakefield agents, though they’ve stayed quiet on details.Family ties and financesRecords show the building is owned throughZellvest, an investment company originally set up by John Poulakis and now run by his sons,Alexander and Ross. The brothers also control Mill Place Investments, which has bought several CBD sites over the years.Although Harrolds’ liquidators have said the family’s property companies are separate from the collapsed retailer, questions remain. Reports suggest Harrolds made$13.3 million in loansto family-linked entities, and efforts to recover that money are ongoing.The next chapterWhile Harrolds is gone, its legacy hasn’t fully disappeared. Some former staff members have revived the retailer in Sydney, giving the brand a second life outside Melbourne.For the Poulakis family, however, the spotlight is now firmly onMelbourne propertyand the sale of Customs House could mark another major step in their post-retail journey.Source:Nicole Lindsay. “Collapsed Harrolds owners have another CBD property up their sleeves.”The Sydney Morning Herald, September 13, 2025. Accessed September 16, 2025.Previous ArticleNext Article
Their property, themajestic Customs House at 325–331 Flinders Lane, has just hit the market with a price tag of more than$23 million.From fashion empire to property salesHarrolds was founded in 1985 byJohn Poulakisand became known for carrying world-famous labels like Versace, Balmain, Tom Ford, and Stella McCartney. But in 2024, the retailer went into liquidation, leaving behind more than$12 million in debtsowed to staff, the tax office, and global fashion houses.Since then, the family has been shifting its focus to property. Just last year, they sold another CBD site, the formerVictoria University campus at 301 Flinders Lane, to education group Laurus for around$24 million.A landmark building with historyCustoms House is no small offering. Bought in 2001 for just$3.9 million, the six-storey building sits on one of the largest land parcels in Flinders Lane. It covers more than3,000 square metresand features ceiling heights of over four metres. The building also backs onto the prestigious333 Collins Streetoffice tower, giving it strong appeal for investors.The property is being marketed by Cushman & Wakefield agents, though they’ve stayed quiet on details.Family ties and financesRecords show the building is owned throughZellvest, an investment company originally set up by John Poulakis and now run by his sons,Alexander and Ross. The brothers also control Mill Place Investments, which has bought several CBD sites over the years.Although Harrolds’ liquidators have said the family’s property companies are separate from the collapsed retailer, questions remain. Reports suggest Harrolds made$13.3 million in loansto family-linked entities, and efforts to recover that money are ongoing.The next chapterWhile Harrolds is gone, its legacy hasn’t fully disappeared. Some former staff members have revived the retailer in Sydney, giving the brand a second life outside Melbourne.For the Poulakis family, however, the spotlight is now firmly onMelbourne propertyand the sale of Customs House could mark another major step in their post-retail journey.Source:Nicole Lindsay. “Collapsed Harrolds owners have another CBD property up their sleeves.”The Sydney Morning Herald, September 13, 2025. Accessed September 16, 2025.Previous ArticleNext Article
From fashion empire to property salesHarrolds was founded in 1985 byJohn Poulakisand became known for carrying world-famous labels like Versace, Balmain, Tom Ford, and Stella McCartney. But in 2024, the retailer went into liquidation, leaving behind more than$12 million in debtsowed to staff, the tax office, and global fashion houses.Since then, the family has been shifting its focus to property. Just last year, they sold another CBD site, the formerVictoria University campus at 301 Flinders Lane, to education group Laurus for around$24 million.A landmark building with historyCustoms House is no small offering. Bought in 2001 for just$3.9 million, the six-storey building sits on one of the largest land parcels in Flinders Lane. It covers more than3,000 square metresand features ceiling heights of over four metres. The building also backs onto the prestigious333 Collins Streetoffice tower, giving it strong appeal for investors.The property is being marketed by Cushman & Wakefield agents, though they’ve stayed quiet on details.Family ties and financesRecords show the building is owned throughZellvest, an investment company originally set up by John Poulakis and now run by his sons,Alexander and Ross. The brothers also control Mill Place Investments, which has bought several CBD sites over the years.Although Harrolds’ liquidators have said the family’s property companies are separate from the collapsed retailer, questions remain. Reports suggest Harrolds made$13.3 million in loansto family-linked entities, and efforts to recover that money are ongoing.The next chapterWhile Harrolds is gone, its legacy hasn’t fully disappeared. Some former staff members have revived the retailer in Sydney, giving the brand a second life outside Melbourne.For the Poulakis family, however, the spotlight is now firmly onMelbourne propertyand the sale of Customs House could mark another major step in their post-retail journey.Source:Nicole Lindsay. “Collapsed Harrolds owners have another CBD property up their sleeves.”The Sydney Morning Herald, September 13, 2025. Accessed September 16, 2025.Previous ArticleNext Article
From fashion empire to property sales
Harrolds was founded in 1985 byJohn Poulakisand became known for carrying world-famous labels like Versace, Balmain, Tom Ford, and Stella McCartney. But in 2024, the retailer went into liquidation, leaving behind more than$12 million in debtsowed to staff, the tax office, and global fashion houses.Since then, the family has been shifting its focus to property. Just last year, they sold another CBD site, the formerVictoria University campus at 301 Flinders Lane, to education group Laurus for around$24 million.A landmark building with historyCustoms House is no small offering. Bought in 2001 for just$3.9 million, the six-storey building sits on one of the largest land parcels in Flinders Lane. It covers more than3,000 square metresand features ceiling heights of over four metres. The building also backs onto the prestigious333 Collins Streetoffice tower, giving it strong appeal for investors.The property is being marketed by Cushman & Wakefield agents, though they’ve stayed quiet on details.Family ties and financesRecords show the building is owned throughZellvest, an investment company originally set up by John Poulakis and now run by his sons,Alexander and Ross. The brothers also control Mill Place Investments, which has bought several CBD sites over the years.Although Harrolds’ liquidators have said the family’s property companies are separate from the collapsed retailer, questions remain. Reports suggest Harrolds made$13.3 million in loansto family-linked entities, and efforts to recover that money are ongoing.The next chapterWhile Harrolds is gone, its legacy hasn’t fully disappeared. Some former staff members have revived the retailer in Sydney, giving the brand a second life outside Melbourne.For the Poulakis family, however, the spotlight is now firmly onMelbourne propertyand the sale of Customs House could mark another major step in their post-retail journey.Source:Nicole Lindsay. “Collapsed Harrolds owners have another CBD property up their sleeves.”The Sydney Morning Herald, September 13, 2025. Accessed September 16, 2025.Previous ArticleNext Article
Since then, the family has been shifting its focus to property. Just last year, they sold another CBD site, the formerVictoria University campus at 301 Flinders Lane, to education group Laurus for around$24 million.A landmark building with historyCustoms House is no small offering. Bought in 2001 for just$3.9 million, the six-storey building sits on one of the largest land parcels in Flinders Lane. It covers more than3,000 square metresand features ceiling heights of over four metres. The building also backs onto the prestigious333 Collins Streetoffice tower, giving it strong appeal for investors.The property is being marketed by Cushman & Wakefield agents, though they’ve stayed quiet on details.Family ties and financesRecords show the building is owned throughZellvest, an investment company originally set up by John Poulakis and now run by his sons,Alexander and Ross. The brothers also control Mill Place Investments, which has bought several CBD sites over the years.Although Harrolds’ liquidators have said the family’s property companies are separate from the collapsed retailer, questions remain. Reports suggest Harrolds made$13.3 million in loansto family-linked entities, and efforts to recover that money are ongoing.The next chapterWhile Harrolds is gone, its legacy hasn’t fully disappeared. Some former staff members have revived the retailer in Sydney, giving the brand a second life outside Melbourne.For the Poulakis family, however, the spotlight is now firmly onMelbourne propertyand the sale of Customs House could mark another major step in their post-retail journey.Source:Nicole Lindsay. “Collapsed Harrolds owners have another CBD property up their sleeves.”The Sydney Morning Herald, September 13, 2025. Accessed September 16, 2025.Previous ArticleNext Article
A landmark building with historyCustoms House is no small offering. Bought in 2001 for just$3.9 million, the six-storey building sits on one of the largest land parcels in Flinders Lane. It covers more than3,000 square metresand features ceiling heights of over four metres. The building also backs onto the prestigious333 Collins Streetoffice tower, giving it strong appeal for investors.The property is being marketed by Cushman & Wakefield agents, though they’ve stayed quiet on details.Family ties and financesRecords show the building is owned throughZellvest, an investment company originally set up by John Poulakis and now run by his sons,Alexander and Ross. The brothers also control Mill Place Investments, which has bought several CBD sites over the years.Although Harrolds’ liquidators have said the family’s property companies are separate from the collapsed retailer, questions remain. Reports suggest Harrolds made$13.3 million in loansto family-linked entities, and efforts to recover that money are ongoing.The next chapterWhile Harrolds is gone, its legacy hasn’t fully disappeared. Some former staff members have revived the retailer in Sydney, giving the brand a second life outside Melbourne.For the Poulakis family, however, the spotlight is now firmly onMelbourne propertyand the sale of Customs House could mark another major step in their post-retail journey.Source:Nicole Lindsay. “Collapsed Harrolds owners have another CBD property up their sleeves.”The Sydney Morning Herald, September 13, 2025. Accessed September 16, 2025.Previous ArticleNext Article
A landmark building with history
Customs House is no small offering. Bought in 2001 for just$3.9 million, the six-storey building sits on one of the largest land parcels in Flinders Lane. It covers more than3,000 square metresand features ceiling heights of over four metres. The building also backs onto the prestigious333 Collins Streetoffice tower, giving it strong appeal for investors.The property is being marketed by Cushman & Wakefield agents, though they’ve stayed quiet on details.Family ties and financesRecords show the building is owned throughZellvest, an investment company originally set up by John Poulakis and now run by his sons,Alexander and Ross. The brothers also control Mill Place Investments, which has bought several CBD sites over the years.Although Harrolds’ liquidators have said the family’s property companies are separate from the collapsed retailer, questions remain. Reports suggest Harrolds made$13.3 million in loansto family-linked entities, and efforts to recover that money are ongoing.The next chapterWhile Harrolds is gone, its legacy hasn’t fully disappeared. Some former staff members have revived the retailer in Sydney, giving the brand a second life outside Melbourne.For the Poulakis family, however, the spotlight is now firmly onMelbourne propertyand the sale of Customs House could mark another major step in their post-retail journey.Source:Nicole Lindsay. “Collapsed Harrolds owners have another CBD property up their sleeves.”The Sydney Morning Herald, September 13, 2025. Accessed September 16, 2025.Previous ArticleNext Article
The property is being marketed by Cushman & Wakefield agents, though they’ve stayed quiet on details.Family ties and financesRecords show the building is owned throughZellvest, an investment company originally set up by John Poulakis and now run by his sons,Alexander and Ross. The brothers also control Mill Place Investments, which has bought several CBD sites over the years.Although Harrolds’ liquidators have said the family’s property companies are separate from the collapsed retailer, questions remain. Reports suggest Harrolds made$13.3 million in loansto family-linked entities, and efforts to recover that money are ongoing.The next chapterWhile Harrolds is gone, its legacy hasn’t fully disappeared. Some former staff members have revived the retailer in Sydney, giving the brand a second life outside Melbourne.For the Poulakis family, however, the spotlight is now firmly onMelbourne propertyand the sale of Customs House could mark another major step in their post-retail journey.Source:Nicole Lindsay. “Collapsed Harrolds owners have another CBD property up their sleeves.”The Sydney Morning Herald, September 13, 2025. Accessed September 16, 2025.Previous ArticleNext Article
Family ties and financesRecords show the building is owned throughZellvest, an investment company originally set up by John Poulakis and now run by his sons,Alexander and Ross. The brothers also control Mill Place Investments, which has bought several CBD sites over the years.Although Harrolds’ liquidators have said the family’s property companies are separate from the collapsed retailer, questions remain. Reports suggest Harrolds made$13.3 million in loansto family-linked entities, and efforts to recover that money are ongoing.The next chapterWhile Harrolds is gone, its legacy hasn’t fully disappeared. Some former staff members have revived the retailer in Sydney, giving the brand a second life outside Melbourne.For the Poulakis family, however, the spotlight is now firmly onMelbourne propertyand the sale of Customs House could mark another major step in their post-retail journey.Source:Nicole Lindsay. “Collapsed Harrolds owners have another CBD property up their sleeves.”The Sydney Morning Herald, September 13, 2025. Accessed September 16, 2025.Previous ArticleNext Article
Family ties and finances
Records show the building is owned throughZellvest, an investment company originally set up by John Poulakis and now run by his sons,Alexander and Ross. The brothers also control Mill Place Investments, which has bought several CBD sites over the years.Although Harrolds’ liquidators have said the family’s property companies are separate from the collapsed retailer, questions remain. Reports suggest Harrolds made$13.3 million in loansto family-linked entities, and efforts to recover that money are ongoing.The next chapterWhile Harrolds is gone, its legacy hasn’t fully disappeared. Some former staff members have revived the retailer in Sydney, giving the brand a second life outside Melbourne.For the Poulakis family, however, the spotlight is now firmly onMelbourne propertyand the sale of Customs House could mark another major step in their post-retail journey.Source:Nicole Lindsay. “Collapsed Harrolds owners have another CBD property up their sleeves.”The Sydney Morning Herald, September 13, 2025. Accessed September 16, 2025.Previous ArticleNext Article
Although Harrolds’ liquidators have said the family’s property companies are separate from the collapsed retailer, questions remain. Reports suggest Harrolds made$13.3 million in loansto family-linked entities, and efforts to recover that money are ongoing.The next chapterWhile Harrolds is gone, its legacy hasn’t fully disappeared. Some former staff members have revived the retailer in Sydney, giving the brand a second life outside Melbourne.For the Poulakis family, however, the spotlight is now firmly onMelbourne propertyand the sale of Customs House could mark another major step in their post-retail journey.Source:Nicole Lindsay. “Collapsed Harrolds owners have another CBD property up their sleeves.”The Sydney Morning Herald, September 13, 2025. Accessed September 16, 2025.Previous ArticleNext Article
The next chapter
While Harrolds is gone, its legacy hasn’t fully disappeared. Some former staff members have revived the retailer in Sydney, giving the brand a second life outside Melbourne.For the Poulakis family, however, the spotlight is now firmly onMelbourne propertyand the sale of Customs House could mark another major step in their post-retail journey.Source:Nicole Lindsay. “Collapsed Harrolds owners have another CBD property up their sleeves.”The Sydney Morning Herald, September 13, 2025. Accessed September 16, 2025.Previous ArticleNext Article
For the Poulakis family, however, the spotlight is now firmly onMelbourne propertyand the sale of Customs House could mark another major step in their post-retail journey.Source:Nicole Lindsay. “Collapsed Harrolds owners have another CBD property up their sleeves.”The Sydney Morning Herald, September 13, 2025. Accessed September 16, 2025.Previous ArticleNext Article
Source:Nicole Lindsay. “Collapsed Harrolds owners have another CBD property up their sleeves.”The Sydney Morning Herald, September 13, 2025. Accessed September 16, 2025.Previous ArticleNext Article
Source:Nicole Lindsay. “Collapsed Harrolds owners have another CBD property up their sleeves.”The Sydney Morning Herald, September 13, 2025. Accessed September 16, 2025.Previous ArticleNext Article
