David Jones goes into administration, with store closures expected and thousands of jobs at risk

Future of department store in jeopardy after years of steep losses, with outer suburban and regional locations vulnerable

Australia’s premier upmarket department store David Jones has collapsed into voluntary administration, putting thousands of jobs at risk and leaving the future of the 188-year-old retailer hanging in the balance.

The upheaval follows years of steep losses and underperforming stores that left the heritage retailer falling behind on rent, culminating in a breakdown of negotiations with its primary landlord, Westfield owner Scentre Group.

Staff were informed on Thursday that the David Jones board had appointed voluntary administrators from McGrathNicol, before the retailer’s main financier promptly installed FTI Consulting as receivers.