Cracked Soda was first discovered at the markets near Pacific Werribee in mid-2018. Two sisters, Erica and Carrisa, sought to create stylish, soft fabric, low-odour, and stretchy clothing for their children.  
 
From there, they opened a pop-up store at Werribee, which then expanded into Watergardens and other QIC Real Estate (RE) assets in Victoria. The brand’s success in these temporary locations demonstrated the viability and demand for their unique offerings. 

Throughout this period, the Alternate Income (AI) team, part of QIC RE, led by Petrina Downey and Natasha Costello, played a pivotal role in supporting Cracked Soda's growth. The AI team’s strategic vision and dedication ensured the brand's smooth transition from an online presence to physical pop-up stores, fostering a strong relationship with QIC. 
 
In 2019, Lyle Turner, Leasing Manager at Pacific Epping, began discussions around converting Cracked Soda into a permanent site. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, which refocused efforts on their online business, the brand maintained its pop-up presence at Pacific Epping.  

The opportunity to establish a permanent store came within the Kids Precinct at Pacific Epping, previously occupied by QBD Books, which had relocated to a larger tenancy.