Teen Charged After Tragic Death of Retail Visionary
Greg Josephson, the co-founder of iconic fashion retailer Universal Store, tragically lost his life on Thursday night in an alleged stabbing during a teenage house party in the prestigious Brisbane suburb of Clayfield. The 58-year-old businessman was found critically injured at a property on Barlow Street shortly after 8:15 pm and later pronounced dead.
Police have charged a teenage boy, who is only 15, with murder. The accused, who allegedly knew Josephson, sustained a minor injury and was later located several streets away. Officers took him into custody and confirmed he has since been refused bail. He appeared before the Brisbane Children’s Court on Friday, and the matter has been adjourned to September.
Police at the scene in Clayfield the morning after a man’s body was discovered. [Credit: William Davis]
A Legacy in Fashion and Retail
Greg Josephson was more than a victim of a tragic incident—he was a pioneering entrepreneur who shaped Australia’s fashion retail industry. Alongside his brother Michael, Josephson founded Universal Store in 1999, opening the first outlet in Carindale, Brisbane. Their family had a strong background in fashion, with connections to brands like Lee Cooper and Can’t Tear ’Em.
Under Josephson’s leadership, Universal Store grew into a household name, stocking over 50 clothing labels and generating over $244 million in revenue by the end of the 2023–24 financial year. His LinkedIn profile mentions he stepped down as founder and director in 2018 and was most recently CEO of Josephson Holdings.
Greg Josephson (left), co-founder of the Universal Store clothing brand, was found deceased. The photo shows him alongside his brother Michael in 1999. [Herald Sun]
The Fatal Night in Clayfield
The events of Thursday night unfolded quickly. Emergency services received a triple-zero call and responded to reports of a stabbing at a home in Clayfield, an affluent inner-north Brisbane suburb known for its quiet, tree-lined streets and multimillion-dollar homes.
When police arrived, they were shocked to witness a chaotic scene with approximately 30 teenagers still partying, seemingly unaware of what had occurred upstairs. Greg Josephson was discovered dead on the top level of the property, which is currently listed for sale.
Inspector Jane Healy described the scene as “chaotic” and “confusing.” She stated, “When we got here, it was quite a chaotic scene. There were about 30 young people here having a party.” Police confirmed that a weapon had been located but did not specify its type or exact location.
Investigation Develops Rapidly
Detective Acting Superintendent Craig Williams confirmed that the charged teen had phoned police and was later found several streets away. “It’s an extremely distressing job, of course, when a young person is involved. Any time there’s loss of life, it’s distressing for the family, for the community, and for the innocent people at the house who had nothing to do with it,” Williams said.
Detective Acting Superintendent Craig Williams. [Credit: ABC News/Elizabeth Pickering]
While the details remain under investigation, Williams indicated that early inquiries suggest no other individuals were involved in the altercation. Several teenagers at the scene have been assisting police, and authorities are reviewing CCTV and dashcam footage from the area.
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Community in Shock
Residents of Clayfield expressed disbelief at the incident. A neighbour named Frances, who has lived on the street for 14 years, told ABC News, “It’s a shock … it is a very quiet street, you hardly see anybody, they keep to themselves.”
The incident has not only rattled the local community but also reverberated across Australia’s retail and business sectors. Friends, former colleagues, and industry insiders mourn the loss of Greg Josephson, remembering him as a trailblazer who helped bring streetwear culture to the mainstream through Universal Store.
Court Proceedings and Ongoing Investigation
The teenager accused of murdering Josephson has been moved from the police watch house to the hospital for treatment of a minor injury. He remains in custody, and the case is scheduled to return to the Brisbane Children’s Court in September.
Assistant Commissioner Rhys Wildman stated, “The investigation unfolded very quickly last night,” emphasising the swift response from emergency services. Police urge anyone with relevant footage or information to come forward, which will help them piece together the events of that evening.
Assistant Commissioner Rhys Wildman [Credit: ABC News]
A Tragic End to a Visionary Life
The sudden and violent death of Greg Josephson at a party in Clayfield has shocked many, not only because of the senseless nature of the crime but also because of the legacy he leaves behind. From starting a single shop in Brisbane to co-building a national retail powerhouse, Josephson’s impact on Australian youth fashion is undeniable.
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As the legal process unfolds, many will reflect on his contributions to the industry and remember a life cut short far too soon. The tragedy has sparked broader conversations around youth safety, supervision, and community responsibility in social settings.
