Australia's oldest department store David Jones enters administration, shoppers bid farewell
David Jones, the 188-year-old retailer, went into administration, prompting customers and staff to reflect on its legacy as its future remains uncertain.
Australia's longest-standing department store, David Jones, entered administration on Thursday, leaving its future unclear and prompting customers to visit its flagship store to say goodbye. The 87-year-old Janet Morice recalled attending afternoon tea at the store in post-war Melbourne and described the sight of empty shelves in the Sydney flagship as "really, really sad."
"My partner has just said to me ‘Let’s go and say goodbye, because today it’s closing’. And it’s heartbreaking," Morice said.
The retailer, which has operated for 188 years, has struggled with steep losses, high interest rates and cost-of-living pressures, leading to missed rent payments and a breakdown in negotiations with landlord Scentre Group. While some under-performing stores are expected to close soon, the flagship remains open for the day as customers and staff gather around the iconic Christmas display.
"They lost their legacy when they started doing everything up. What’s the point of coming into David Jones when you’ve got Chanel and Versace all the way through it?" said longtime shopper Andrew Star, who noted the store had once offered its own dependable clothing lines.
Employees reported receiving orders to shut down sections of the store without details on future employment. The company employs more than 6,000 staff across 38 locations. Chief executive Erica Berchtold said a "well developed plan on how to reset the business" exists and that the retailer will cooperate with administrators, receivers and its secured lender.
Grandparents Tim and Louise Cook visited the store with their grandson, recalling decades of family purchases, while photographer Mark Nelson captured the Christmas displays, noting they might be seen for the last time. A retired mathematics professor also reflected on his personal connection to the store through a former partner who worked there. The closure marks the end of an Australian retail institution that has been part of many generations' lives.