Around 400 jobs are expected to be lost as a result of the collapse of Marquee Retail Group, the owner of retailers Colette by Colette Hayman and The Daily Edited.
In April 2024, it was announced that Marquee Retail Group had been placed into voluntary administration. This was the second time in four years that administrators had been appointed to Colette, a chain that once had more than 100 stores across Australia and New Zealand.
Retail trade publication Ragtrader reported that insolvency firm Mackay Goodwin has confirmed it is currently working with Marquee Retail Group to wind down all entities. A spokesperson stated that, despite the company's best efforts, it has been unable to recover from economic headwinds.
“We are anticipating up to 400 jobs will be lost as a result of the closures and we will work with the impacted employees to make claims through government assistance programs once the companies are placed into liquidation,” Mackay Goodwin explained.
Various media reports have detailed flash clearance sales across the country, with significant discounts offered on items ahead of closure.
As reported by 7News, a sign outside the Colette store at Westfield Tea Tree Plaza in South Australia on Thursday read: “Final day of trade. 60–80% off. Everything must go!” Staff also reportedly informed the publication that the business was being permanently closed.
The company's Facebook page is also promoting a flash sale. Marquee Retail Group is owned and chaired by Bernie Brookes, the former CEO of Myer.
Jeweller’s 2024 State of the Industry Report recorded 58 Colette stores in Australia, and the chain has a significant presence on the east coast.
Mackay Goodwin said that most of the Colette By Colette Hayman stores are already closed, with 10 remaining stores offering clearance sales. The remaining stores are located in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, and Western Australia.
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