David Jones may shut Woden store as part of broader closures
Australia's oldest department store is expected to close its Westfield Woden location, among up to 20 stores slated for shutdown, after reporting significant pre-tax losses.
Australia’s oldest department store, David Jones, is planning to close its Westfield Woden store as part of a broader restructuring that could see up to 20 of its 38 locations in Australia and New Zealand shut down. The retailer is focusing on closing 17 stores situated in Westfield shopping centres, with Woden identified as one of five priority sites.
David Jones declined to comment on the closure rumours, stating that it continues to operate all of its stores. The company reported a pre-tax loss of $95.5 million for 2025, following a $74.1 million loss in 2024, and missed the 30 October 2026 filing deadline. Reports on 4 November indicated that the firm may appoint McGrathNicol as voluntary administrators as early as the following day.
Westfield’s owner, Scentre Group, confirmed that David Jones has paid rent for its 17 locations through 30 September 2026 but did not comment specifically on the Woden store. The Woden outlet, opened in September 1972, has been an anchor for the centre for more than five decades.
Local jeweller Leane Khalidi, whose shop borders the department store, said the potential closure could reduce foot traffic for surrounding businesses. > "Being next door, David Jones does bring quite a few people past, especially once all the cafes and food stalls close," she said. Khalidi expressed concern about the impact on smaller retailers and the uncertainty facing David Jones staff.
The possible shutdown follows a period of speculation about the store’s future, with rumours circulating among employees for months.