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Thu, 05 Nov 2026

Thu, 05 Nov 2026 Australia's oldest department store David Jones folds after 188 years

The brand's 38 physical stores and online site will continue to operate while receivers review its operations.

* David Jones, Australia's oldest department store chain, has gone into voluntary administration.
* The company has been struggling financially due to a decline in customers and rise of online shopping.
* Approximately 6,000 jobs are at risk as a result of the administration.
* The physical and online stores will continue to operate while receivers FTI Consulting review the company.
* CEO Erica Berthold says David Jones has a "well-developed plan" to "reset the business for the future".
* The retailer had not paid its rent for October, putting it in breach of its tenancy agreement with Scentre (owner of Westfield).
* Analysts say the collapse of David Jones signals the "death knell" for the department store format.
* The brand has lost its shine in recent years, particularly in suburban areas where stores lack excitement and glitz.