SYDNEY, Australia, November 13, 2026 — David Jones has confirmed plans to close 19 of its 38 department stores across Australia and New Zealand, putting jobs at risk as the 188-year-old retailer undergoes a major financial restructuring.
Receivers FTI Consulting announced the closures on November 11, less than a week after David Jones entered voluntary administration on November 5. The affected stores will continue trading in the immediate term, with closures expected before the end of 2026. Individual closing dates have not been confirmed.
David Jones Confirms 19 Store Closures in Latest Restructuring
Latest Update — November 13, 2026: FTI Consulting has officially identified 19 David Jones stores for closure. Employees were informed on November 11, and a seven-day consultation process is underway.
The receivers said the restructuring was necessary to improve the retailer’s financial sustainability. David Jones had previously explored retaining 12 stores under existing rental arrangements and another seven subject to landlord concessions.
Nine of the proposed closures involve Westfield shopping centres, while other affected stores are located in properties operated by major shopping centre landlords.
The restructuring is expected to leave David Jones with a significantly smaller retail network, although its longer-term ownership and financial arrangements remain unresolved.
David Jones Store Closures 2026: Full List of 19 Locations
The following stores have been officially identified for closure across Australia and New Zealand.
| State / Country | Confirmed Store Locations |
|---|---|
| New South Wales (7) | Green Hills, Hornsby, Macarthur Square, Macquarie Centre, Parramatta, Warringah Mall, Wollongong Central |
| Victoria (3) | Glen Waverley, Highpoint, Malvern Central |
| Western Australia (3) | Carousel, Garden City (Booragoon), Hay Street Mall |
| South Australia (2) | Marion, West Lakes |
| Queensland (2) | Robina Town Centre, Sunshine Plaza |
| Australian Capital Territory (1) | Woden |
| New Zealand (1) | Newmarket, Auckland |
Closure status: All 19 locations have been confirmed for closure, but they have not all shut their doors. Receivers expect the affected stores to cease trading by the end of December 2026, with individual dates still pending.
The Newmarket closure will also mark David Jones’ departure from New Zealand, while the Hay Street Mall closure will remove the retailer’s flagship presence from central Perth.
Thousands of David Jones Jobs at Risk
David Jones employs approximately 6,000 people across its operations. Closing half its department stores is expected to result in significant job losses, although the receivers have not released an official redundancy figure.
Employees at affected locations were notified on November 11, with consultations scheduled over the following seven days.
David Jones chief executive Erica Berchtold told employees that the existing store network was no longer financially sustainable. The company is examining redeployment opportunities where vacancies exist within its remaining operations.
FTI Consulting acknowledged the impact on workers and committed to treating affected employees fairly during the restructuring.
The uncertainty follows other major Australian corporate workforce changes, including Qantas’ previously announced job cuts and outsourcing plans.
David Jones Financial Troubles and Administration Explained
David Jones entered voluntary administration on November 5 following financial difficulties involving high rental costs, supplier payment delays, operating expenses and unsuccessful negotiations with major landlords.
McGrathNicol was appointed voluntary administrator, while FTI Consulting took control as receiver on behalf of secured lender Hilco Capital.
The retailer reported a A$95.5 million pre-tax loss for the 2025 financial year, compared with A$74.1 million a year earlier, according to previously reported financial figures.
Negotiations with Westfield operator Scentre Group over rent relief and a smaller store network failed before the administration.
Financial pressure had been developing for months. Administrators reviewed limited financial information in April, while restructuring discussions took place in July and resumed in October.
The challenges reflect wider changes in Australian retail, where department stores face competition from online shopping and specialist retailers. Other chains are experimenting with smaller formats, including Kmart’s K Home expansion in Queensland.
David Jones Suppliers Face Unpaid Bills and Uncertainty
David Jones reportedly owes suppliers around A$100 million, raising concerns for fashion labels, independent brands and other businesses that depend on the department store network.
Some suppliers had previously been offered extended payment terms, while others reported delays in receiving money for products already delivered.
Despite the administration, receivers reported unusually strong customer traffic and online sales following the announcement.
FTI Consulting said replenishment orders were being placed with suppliers that had agreed to continue trading. However, some concession brands have withdrawn stock or reduced their exposure to the retailer.
In a November 12 report, ABC News reported on supplier reactions, with some businesses supporting a smaller network while warning about lost sales and outstanding payments.
David Jones Gift Cards, Returns and Online Orders
David Jones stores and its online business remain operational during receivership, including locations identified for closure.
- Existing gift cards: Remain redeemable under current trading conditions.
- New gift cards: Sales have been suspended.
- Purchases from November 7: A 14-day change-of-mind exchange period applies, with an additional five days for eligible online orders.
- Purchases before November 7: The previous 30-day exchange period applies.
- Online orders: Deliveries are continuing, although customers may experience delays.
- Consumer rights: Australian Consumer Law guarantees remain applicable to eligible purchases.
Customers should retain receipts, gift cards and order confirmations. They should also check the latest store trading arrangements before visiting an affected location.
David Jones Closure Statements and Customer Reactions
David Jones management and receivers have acknowledged the difficulty of the restructuring, particularly for employees facing uncertainty before Christmas.
Chief executive Erica Berchtold said the company remained committed to resetting its operations and establishing a sustainable business.
FTI Consulting said the closures were regrettable but necessary to give the retailer its best opportunity for a viable future.
Customer reactions have been mixed. Some shoppers expressed disappointment at the prospect of losing long-established stores, while others questioned whether the traditional department store model could compete effectively with online retailers and specialist brands.
Suppliers have also expressed differing views. Some believe a smaller store network could improve the company’s finances, while others fear losing access to customers in suburban shopping centres.
David Jones Creditors’ Meeting and Potential Sale
The first David Jones creditors’ meeting is scheduled for November 17, 2026, with creditors invited to submit proof-of-debt documentation ahead of the meeting.
Administrators McGrathNicol are pursuing options to sell or recapitalise the retailer. Expressions of interest from potential buyers are due by November 13.
The administrators are also seeking additional time to complete the sale or restructuring process, which could delay a subsequent creditors’ meeting until 2027.
A complete shutdown of David Jones has not been announced. The immediate restructuring focuses on closing 19 locations while maintaining trading across the remaining network.
David Jones Store Closures: Next Key Dates
| Date | Development |
|---|---|
| November 5, 2026 | David Jones enters voluntary administration and receivership. |
| November 11, 2026 | Receivers confirm 19 store closures and begin employee consultations. |
| November 13, 2026 | Deadline for expressions of interest from potential buyers. |
| November 17, 2026 | First creditors’ meeting scheduled. |
| By December 31, 2026 | Affected stores expected to cease trading, with individual closing dates still unconfirmed. |
Latest status as of November 13: Nineteen store closures have been officially announced, employee consultations are underway and affected stores remain open for now. The final number of redundancies and individual closing dates have not been confirmed.
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