{
  "id": 18214994,
  "title": "Australia's oldest department store David Jones collapses after 188 years",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/05/australias-oldest-department-store-david-jones-collapses-after-188",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-11-05T00:09:40.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "BBC Business",
    "slug": "bbc-business",
    "url": "https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cky93z5y0171o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "David Jones, Australia's oldest department store chain, has entered voluntary administration, putting countless jobs at risk. The iconic retailer, known locally as 'DJs', has struggled financially for years as customers shifted their shopping habits to online platforms. Both physical and online stores for David Jones will remain operational while receivers FTI Consulting assesses the company, according to voluntary administrators McGrathNicol.\n\nDavid Jones, an iconic institution, has held a significant place in Australian culture, with many Australians having fond memories of visiting the stores. CEO Erica Berthold emphasized that the brand has a well-developed plan to reset the business for the future. In a statement, she expressed gratitude to customers, team members, and partners for their support during this challenging period.\n\nThe department store chain employs approximately 6,000 staff and operates 38 physical stores, with 17 of them situated within Westfield shopping centers. Just before the board's decision to enter administration, rental payments for October were revealed to be unpaid, placing the retailer in breach of its tenancy agreement. Christopher Hill, from receivers FTI Consulting, stated that various factors, including the evolving retail trading environment, escalating costs, an outdated retail footprint, and supply chain challenges, contributed to the company's current situation. He added that appointing administrators and receivers would provide the necessary breathing space for restructuring the business.\n\nMany Australians associate David Jones with luxury, largely due to its distinctive black-and-white houndstooth design. The store represented the epitome of glamour shopping in Australia, often referred to as Australia's version of Harrods. It was a place where one could indulge in premium luxury labels and marvel at festive window displays, particularly at the flagship Sydney city store. Families would often make a pilgrimage to see these displays, with some even traveling from considerable distances to experience the magic.\n\nHowever, in recent years, the brand's allure had waned. While the city stores retained their sophisticated aura, the suburban stores were perceived as mundane and lacking excitement. Jana Bowden, a marketing professor at Macquarie University's Business School, noted that the death of the department store format has been signaled by David Jones' collapse. She pointed out that the iconic institution once embodied glamour and luxury, but its demise marks the end of an era for traditional luxury shopping in Australia.",
  "summary": "The brand's 38 physical stores and online sites will continue to operate while receivers review its operations.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "RNZ Business",
        "title": "David Jones could go into voluntary administration on Thursday - reports",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/04/david-jones-could-go-into-voluntary-administration-on-thursday-reports",
        "published": "2026-11-04T04:48:39.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}