Greg Josephson was a prominent Australian entrepreneur, best known as the co-founder of the fashion retailer Universal Store. He tragically passed away on June 26, 2025, at the age of 58, following an alleged stabbing during a teenage house party at his multimillion-dollar home in Clayfield, Brisbane. A 15-year-old boy, known to Josephson, has been charged with murder in connection with the incident.
Josephson co-founded Universal Store in 1999 with his brother Michael in Brisbane. The company grew to become a major Australian fashion retailer, operating over 50 stores nationwide and generating significant revenue. In 2018, the brothers sold the business to a private equity group for $100 million. The company later went public on the Australian Stock Exchange, achieving a market capitalization of approximately $570 million.
Beyond Universal Store, Josephson was involved in various business ventures. He owned the Noosa Reef Hotel, purchased in 2021 for $13.9 million, and held senior roles with Westfield and Lend Lease. At the time of his death, he was serving as the CEO of Josephson Holdings.
Early Life and Education
Birth and Family Background
Greg Josephson was born in Brisbane, Queensland, into a family with deep roots in the fashion industry. His great-grandfather, Isidore Josephson, founded Josephson’s Clothing Factory in 1910, establishing the family’s legacy in menswear manufacturing. This heritage was furthered by his grandfather, James Josephson, who started Josephson & Sons in 1939 and introduced the iconic “Can’t Tear ‘Em” workwear brand. The family’s involvement in the clothing business continued with his uncle, who operated a factory producing Lee Cooper jeans in Brisbane.
Education
Greg attended St Joseph’s College, Gregory Terrace, a prestigious institution in Brisbane. He later pursued a Bachelor of Commerce degree at Griffith University, equipping him with the business acumen that would prove essential in his entrepreneurial endeavors.
Career Milestones
Founding Universal Store
In 1999, Greg and his brother Michael co-founded Universal Store in Brisbane. They opened their first store in the Carindale suburb, capitalizing on the expansion of Westfield Carindale shopping center. Despite lacking formal retail experience, Greg’s business instincts and commitment to quality led to rapid growth. By 2018, Universal Store had expanded to 53 locations across six states and achieved an annual turnover of $100 million. The company was sold to a consortium of private equity investors for $100 million in 2018 and subsequently listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) in 2020, with a market capitalization of approximately $570 million as of 2024.
Post-Retail Ventures
After stepping down from Universal Store, Greg continued his entrepreneurial journey. He served as the Chief Executive Officer of Josephson Holdings Pty Ltd, focusing on property investments and other business ventures. In 2021, he purchased the Noosa Reef Hotel for $13.9 million, further diversifying his business portfolio.
Personal Life
Family
Greg was married to Tamra Josephson, and together they had three teenage children. The family resided in a luxurious six-bedroom home in Clayfield, Brisbane, which they had recently renovated. The property, perched on a peak with views of the Gateway Bridge and mountains, was listed for sale in June 2025 as the family planned to relocate to Noosa. The home featured six bedrooms, six bathrooms, a rumpus area, alfresco terraces, and a pavilion, embodying Greg’s vision of a “five-star hotel feel” for his family.
Interests and Lifestyle
Known for his unassuming demeanor, Greg was described as softly spoken and deeply committed to his family and business. He valued quality and design, evident in both his professional ventures and personal lifestyle. His involvement in various business sectors showcased his versatility and keen interest in diverse industries.
Tragic Death
Incident Details
On the evening of June 26, 2025, Greg Josephson was found deceased at his Clayfield residence during a house party attended by approximately 30 teenagers. Police responded to a call at 8:15 PM and discovered Greg’s body upstairs in the home. A 15-year-old boy, known to Greg, was arrested nearby and charged with one count of murder. The alleged altercation involved a household implement, not a knife. The teenager reportedly contacted emergency services himself and is believed to be the sole offender.
Conclusion
Greg Josephson’s life was a testament to vision, hard work, and dedication. From humble beginnings to becoming a significant figure in Australia’s retail landscape, his journey was marked by achievements that many aspire to. His untimely death serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the impact one individual can have on an entire community.
FAQs
What was Greg Josephson’s role in Universal Store?
Greg Josephson was the co-founder of Universal Store, establishing the company in 1999 alongside his brother Michael.
How many Universal Store locations are there?
As of 2024, Universal Store operates 80 locations across Australia.
What was Greg Josephson’s educational background?
Greg graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce from Griffith University.
Did Greg Josephson have any other business ventures?
Yes, after leaving Universal Store, Greg became the CEO of Josephson Holdings Pty Ltd, focusing on property investments and other business activities.
Was Greg Josephson involved in the fashion industry before Universal Store?
Yes, his family had a long history in the fashion industry, dating back to 1910.
What was the cause of Greg Josephson’s death?
Greg Josephson died from a stab wound during an altercation at a house party in Brisbane on June 26, 2025.
Who was responsible for Greg Josephson’s death?
A 15-year-old boy, known to Greg, was arrested and charged with murder in connection with the incident.
What was Greg Josephson’s family life like?
Greg was married to Tamra Josephson, and they had three teenage children. The family resided in a luxurious home in Clayfield, Brisbane.
