Skip to footer
David Jones Foodhall Market Street 2013.jpg
David Jones Florist Elizabeth Street 2013.jpg
Melbourne Old Post Office (Shopping Mall Interior).jpg
Photo: Pear285 at English Wikipedia, CC0 1.0, via Wikimedia Commons

business

Shoppers back David Jones as administrator seeks buyer

Shoppers rushed to David Jones stores after the retailer entered voluntary administration on Thursday.

Updated 2 min read

Published by Agyata NewsroomEditorial policyCorrections

Key points

  • David Jones entered voluntary administration on Thursday after years of falling sales.
  • Foot traffic and sales at David Jones stores and online have reached record levels since receivership.
  • The retailer recorded a $95.5 million loss in 2024/25, worse than the $74 million loss in 2023/24.

Why it matters. The outcome of this administration process will determine whether the 188-year-old brand survives or if some of its 38 stores and 6,000 jobs are lost.

Updated Sources: Thewest, Smh, Theage, Afr

Australian consumers have flocked to David Jones stores and its website following the retailer's entry into voluntary administration on Thursday. Receivers from FTI Consulting report that foot traffic and sales have reached record levels, prompting orders for replenishment stock from suppliers. Despite these strong trading days, speculation persists that some of the 38 stores, including one in Auckland, might close, potentially affecting 6,000 employees.

Latest updates

Shoppers back David Jones as administrator seeks buyer

Following its voluntary administration on Thursday, the 188-year-old retailer David Jones has seen a surge in customer foot traffic and sales across its stores and online platform. Receivers Christopher Hill, David McGrath, and Joanne Dunn of FTI Consulting confirmed that this record business activity has led the company to place new orders for replenishment stock with suppliers. Despite some luxury brands removing items from shelves, most trade partners remain supportive as the receivers negotiate to maintain inventory availability. The receivers stated in a Monday statement that these developments highlight the public's strong support for the iconic Australian brand.

ThewestSmhTheage

David Jones Collapse Could Hand Myer a Department Store Monopoly

Sales at the failed retailer David Jones have lagged long-time rival Myer for at least the past decade, according to reporting by The West Australian. Experts quoted in the report say Myer could be the greatest beneficiary of David Jones' collapse. Talks are reportedly under way for Myer to take over the leases of David Jones stores. The outcome could leave Australia with one dominant department store operator, ending a rivalry that has run for 126 years. Other outlets have reported that customers are asking whether gift cards can still be redeemed and whether remaining stock will be discounted.

ThewestSmhTheageAfrWikipedia: Myer

Sources

AI-assisted summary of the reporting above. Quotes are kept to one sentence. Copyright concern? See our DMCA takedown page.