David Jones, founded in Sydney in 1838, appointed administrators from McGrathNicol after failing to pay rent since September 30 at its 17 Westfield stores and turning down landlord Scentre Group’s offer to trade through Christmas.
The retailer reported a $95.5 million loss for 2024–25 amid plans to shrink its 38 stores across Australia and New Zealand, facing weak spending, online competition, and lease disputes.
Shoppers share nostalgia for its marble floors and wooden escalators, while many worry about job losses as stores trade on under oversight, with closures expected soon.
Terrible but highlights the poor state of the Australia economy under this federal government. People are hurting and cannot afford to shop for anything other than the basics.
David Jones has entered voluntary administration after a bitter rent dispute drove the company into collapse with store closures expected by year’s end.