Just 37 per cent of shops at Western Australia’s biggest malls and main street retail strips are open for trade, laying bare the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on the retail sector.
Premier Investments’ rent standoff with its landlords will continue at least until May 11, with the retail giant to continue not paying any rent until it can open its network of shops safely.
Wesfarmers chief Rob Scott believes the pandemic threat has been well handled by authorities so far, but has urged political leaders to ensure there is a level playing field when it comes to supporting business. Click through to watch the video interview.
Fremantle institution The Chart & Map Shop has been given 30 days’ notice to vacate the Collie Street property it has called home for 25 years, despite Prime Minister Scott Morrison last month calling for a moratorium on evictions.
Perth startup KeepSpace has found its e-commerce packaging services in demand as government restrictions to limit the spread of COVID-19 cause retail stores and hospitality venues to close.
More Perth eateries are set to shut their doors in response to a weakened retail environment, particularly in shopping centres, while blinds retailer Kresta has announced it will close all of its showrooms across the country.
Just Jeans, Peter Alexander and Smiggle are among several Australian brands set to close their doors tonight due to the COVID-19 crisis, while commercial landlord Dexus has withdrawn its earnings guidance for 2020.
Retailer Michael Hill International will close all 14 stores in Western Australia as part of its move to suspend operations nationwide, and in New Zealand and Canada, amidst growing COVID-19 concerns.
Wesfarmers has disclosed that nearly every part of its business has been affected by COVID-19, with Bunnings and Officeworks doing better while Target is suffering.
After going into liquidation in February, Kosmic Sound has been saved by South Australian business Dale Cleves Music Group, shortly after another iconic WA brand Jeanswest was also rescued.
The former owner of Cloud Nine Vegan cafe in North Perth has been ordered to pay more than $33,000 in back pay and penalties following 24 breaches of the restaurant workers’ award.
High-end jewellery store Tiffany & Co has opened at Raine Square, the third of four luxury brands to shift from King Street to one of Perth’s newest shopping destinations.
Creditors have opted to liquidate Perth Fashion Festival today, just days after festival director Tony Sage failed to sell down his Perth Glory soccer club stake; while the administrators had been unable to recover a debt owed to the company by industry body the Fashion Council WA.
Fashion accessory chain Colette by Colette Hayman will close five of its stores in Western Australia, including both stores in the CBD, after the struggling retailer was placed into voluntary administration earlier this month.
Wesfarmers has sold $1.1 billion of Coles shares, reducing its holdings of the supermarket chain to 10 per cent, while revealing $24 million of payroll problems during its half-yearly results released today.
Fashion accessory retailer Colette by Colette Hayman, which has 15 stores in Western Australia and 126 across the country, has been placed into voluntary administration.
