From shoes to accessories and jeans of course —Australia’s leading retailers have proven just how powerful they can be when they unite for a cause. Together, they’ve raised over $250,000, with much more to come, through the Retail Alliance for Children’s Medical Research Institute.

The Jeans for Genes Retail Alliance brings major Aussie retailers together behind one powerful mission – to fund life-changing medical research for the 1 in 20 Aussie kids facing a birth defect or genetic condition.

Lowes, the founding partner of the Retail Alliance, once again showed their incredible commitment by raising more than $200,000 by donating $10 from the sale of jeans and denim shorts in the month of August while also collecting generous customer donations in stores.

Munro Footwear Group is the newest member of the Retail Alliance and have already started strong. Donations are being collected in their Williams, Mathers and The Trybe stores.

In early 2026, they are running a Back-to-School shoe promotion to raise even more for research, aiming to raise a $200,000 pledge to Children’s Medical Research Institute.

Other retailers to raise money as part of the Retail Alliance include Seed Heritage, kikki-K, Fine-Day, allkinds, Commonry, Unison, JAG and small family businesses Little You and Mojo Candles.

Children’s Medical Research Institute Director of Fundraising, Robert Wynn, said Jeans for Genes has always rallied the Australian community and it was wonderful to see local businesses leading the way.

“When you look back at the 30 year history of Jeans for Genes, you’ll see iconic Australian names like Lowes who have always stood behind our scientists. It’s inspiring to see so many new businesses now join the fight to make the incurable, curable, Mr Wynn said.

“Thank you to everyone who is showing support for our Retail Alliance partners because, ultimately, you’re helping the next generation of Australian children.”

You can continue to show your support by visiting Williams, Mathers and The Trybe and make sure to keep reading our CMRI newsletters to learn more about the Back-to-School shoe promotion.