Aussie fashion favourite Jeanswest is set to close its physical stores as the company behind the brand, Harbour Guidance Pty Ltd, calls time on its bricks-and-mortar operations.

The decision comes as retailers across the country struggle with rising costs and a dip in discretionary spending.

Jeanswest handed over to administrators

Harbour Guidance, which took over Jeanswest after it collapsed in 2020, has placed the business into voluntary administration, appointing Lindsay Bainbridge, Andrew Yeo and David Vasudevan from Pitcher Partners Melbourne to oversee the process.

While Jeanswest’s retail stores are winding down, there’s still hope for the brand itself and its online operations, with restructuring options being explored. The business currently runs more than 90 stores across Australia and employs over 600 staff.

Business turnaround fails

Administrator Lindsay Bainbridge said the company had spent five years trying to turn the 53-year-old brand around but ultimately decided it was time to step away from physical stores.

“The owners have done everything they can to keep Jeanswest going, but market conditions mean sustaining bricks-and-mortar stores is not viable and unlikely to improve,” he said.

“They deeply regret the impact of store closures on their team members and customers, and we will be working now with teams across the country.”

Bainbridge acknowledged the blow to staff, saying, “This is a hard day for hundreds of Jeanswest team members, and we will be working directly with them to provide clarity and information about the next steps.”

Shoppers to score discounts

With the shutdown process kicking off, shoppers can expect big clearance sales as administrators move to sell off remaining stock.

“We will be opening the doors of all stores and selling online to clear all stock to secure a return to creditors,” Bainbridge confirmed.

It’s not the first time Jeanswest has hit troubled waters. Back in 2020, the brand fell into administration before Harbour Guidance stepped in to save it. Now, with economic pressures mounting, it looks like Jeanswest will be joining the growing list of Aussie retailers shutting up shop in the face of tough trading conditions. Just last month, fashion giant Mosaic Brands shuttered the last of its stores which included the likes of Rivers, Noni B and Millers; with online sales purging remaining stock.

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