Dr Moose isn’t just a t-shirt shop — it’s a Byron Bay institution.
Established in 1995, it has grown into a globally recognised brand synonymous with individuality, creativity and the laid-back Byron experience.
When Rachael Warburton first backpacked her way to Byron Bay, she never imagined she’d one day own this iconic business.
Originally from Clitheroe, England, Rachael fell in love with Dr Moose while working in the shop. When the opportunity arose to purchase the business in 2016, she jumped at it. But while she knew the brand’s value from the inside, she needed expert guidance to ensure the numbers stacked up.
The Right Advice at the Right Time. Enter Collins Hume.
With the support of Partner Kelly Crethar, Rachael gained the financial clarity she needed to confidently acquire Dr Moose.
“Kelly was fantastic. She helped us assess the business sale price by evaluating the offer and confirmed correct price for us.”
"We're not formally trained in business. We knew there was a business opportunity but we needed Kelly to help us navigate the process," Rachael explains. "She guided us through everything—from setting up a trust for asset protection to ensuring our wills were in place. It gave us peace of mind."
Scaling for the Future
Rachael didn’t just maintain Dr Moose’s legacy — she supercharged it. Since taking over, she has grown the brand’s social media presence, all while preserving the store’s cult 90s feel. And, she’s continually working with Collins Hume to take Dr Moose to the next level.
"I want to grow the business so we plan with Kelly for our future financial needs," says Rachael. "That means looking at how we can get new equipment, keep the website in check, accessing specialist advice and moving forward to be more successful online as well as keeping our brick and mortar store for visits."
Having Collins Hume in her corner has been crucial. "From helping us when we bought our first property to navigating tax on cryptocurrency, Kelly has been our go-to for years. She is accessible, knowledgeable and just a great guide for those of us who need to be directed on how to do things smartly."
Top Tips for Business Owners Looking to Grow or Buy Their Own Business
Do Your Due Diligence – Before making any major business decision, ensure you thoroughly assess the financials, market potential and risks. Seeking expert guidance can help you make informed choices.
Invest in Smart Structures – Setting up the right business structure, such as trusts or asset protection plans, can safeguard your financial future and make scaling easier.
Plan for Growth – A business is never static. Continuously strategise for the future—whether it’s investing in technology, marketing or financial planning—to keep your business thriving.
Supporting local businesses is more important than ever. Visit drmoose.com.au to explore Dr Moose’s unique designs, follow them on Facebook at facebook.com/drmoosebyronbay, and check out their latest creations on Instagram at instagram.com/drmoosetshirts.
Partner with Experts Who Understand Your Business
At Collins Hume, we help business owners like Rachael make confident, informed decisions that drive success. Whether you’re acquiring a business, planning for growth or structuring your finances for the future, our team is here to help.
Ready to take your business to the next level? Contact Collins Hume's Strategy360 team today.
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