business
David Jones owner Anchorage silent as department store faces store closures
David Jones and owner Anchorage do not respond to requests for comment as the department store faces possible store closures.
Key points
- David Jones operates 38 stores around Australia and reportedly wants to cut that number to between 12 and 20.
- David Jones recorded a $95.5m pre-tax loss in the year to June 2025 as sales fell 8.7 per cent to about $2 billion.
- Hilco Capital reportedly advanced an extra $10m for Christmas stock but has not confirmed the amount.
Why it matters. The reported store cuts could affect David Jones workers, shoppers and landlords across Australia, and the union representing thousands of its workers is planning for the worst.
David Jones and owner Anchorage Capital Partners did not respond on Tuesday to requests for comment on reports the 188-year-old retailer could close over half its 38 stores. It is understood David Jones wants to cut that number to between 12 and 20 as it enters lease talks with landlords. Reports have identified loss-making Westfield stores in Perth, Sydney, Canberra and Melbourne as under immediate review.
Latest updates
David Jones owner Anchorage silent as department store faces store closures
David Jones and its private equity owner Anchorage Capital Partners have declined to comment as reports circulate that the department store could close more than half its stores. The 188-year-old retailer operates 38 stores around Australia. The union representing thousands of David Jones workers is planning for the worst, according to reports. Reductions would also shrink the size of stores that remain open. No formal announcement has been made, and the company's position has not been confirmed.