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David Jones Enters Administration After 188 Years
· Confirmed
In Short: Australia's oldest department store, David Jones, has entered voluntary administration after failing to reach an agreement with its landlords.
David Jones, founded in Sydney in 1838, has entered voluntary administration, putting more than 6,000 jobs at risk and raising questions about its future ahead of the Christmas trading period.
The company's CEO, Erica Berthold, said, 'David Jones is an iconic company and so many Australians have stories and memories of visiting DJ's stores,' adding that the brand has a 'well-developed plan' to 'reset the business for the future.'
David Jones operates 38 stores across Australia and New Zealand, primarily in shopping centers, with 17 located in Westfield centers owned by Scentre Group.
David Jones' landlords, including Scentre Group, have AU$45 million in bank guarantees for its stores that could be used to pay rent.
David Jones' landlords rejected a proposal, and the retailer's board subsequently turned down the landlord's counteroffer, leading to the appointment of administrators and receivers.
David Jones' Christmas choir, which began performing at its Elizabeth Street store in 1951, is an experience passed down through generations.
David Jones' landlords have AU$45 million in bank guarantees for its stores that could be used to pay rent.
Before entering administration, David Jones had been pursuing plans to reduce its store network and reposition itself as an upmarket retailer.
What this adds
David Jones' administration comes as Canva is restructuring 1,271 positions, highlighting broader economic challenges in the retail sector.
What's confirmed
- David Jones store in Sydney, Australia (Stock photo).
- David Jones's physical and online stores will continue to operate while receivers FTI Consulting review the company, said voluntary administrators McGrathNicol.
- David Jones employs about 6,000 staff and has 38 physical stores, with 17 of those in Westfield shopping centres.
- By appointing administrators and receivers, David Jones will get "breathing space" and a chance to restructure the business, Hill said.
- For many Australians, David Jones - and its trademark black-and-white houndstooth design - represented luxury.
- "We will manage this process carefully, mindful of the impact on some stakeholders but also recognising the need for difficult decisions." Founded in Sydney in 1838 by Welsh immigrant David Jones, the upscale retailer describes itself as the world's oldest continuously operating department store.
- “David Jones is an iconic company and so many Australians have stories and memories of visiting DJ’s stores and I thank customers, our team members and our partners for their continued support for David Jones through this period,” David Jones Chief Executive Officer Erica Berchtold said.
- The David Jones chief executive, Erica Berchtold, said there was a “well developed plan on how to reset the business” and that the retailer would work with the administrators, receivers and its secured lender.
- Australian department store chain David Jones has entered voluntary administration on 5 November after failing to reach an agreement with its landlords over a restructuring plan, putting more than 6,000 jobs at risk and raising questions over its future ahead of the Christmas trading period.
What's still developing
- The Australian Financial Review has reported that negotiations between David Jones and its landlords have “irreconcilably” fallen over after days of last-minute talks.
- (Source: David Jones) By Stephanie Caite Chadwick November 4, 2026 Text Size --> The question hanging over David Jones is no longer whether it can survive in its current form but rather what potentially dire fate awaits the retailer’s stores, suppliers, staff and shoppers if administrators take control.
- Now David Jones is heading towards administration, while Canva is restructuring 1,271 positions.
- Australian teen Noah Jones is no longer a plaintiff in the case but will attend Tuesday's hearing Two days of hearings on a challenge to Australia's landmark social media ban for children will begin at the country's highest court on Tuesday.
- Australia’s oldest department store David Jones collapsed on Thursday, finally succumbing after almost 200 years as the digital era drove shoppers to cheaper and nimbler online rivals.
- Alicia Shoolman, Executive General Manager – Merchandise – Beauty at David Jones, said the retailer is “incredibly proud” to introduce the brand locally.
- While wealthy customers and fashion identities who once flocked to the David Jones marquee continue to attend Australia’s biggest racing event, the retailer that once dressed them and entertained them in style is fighting to secure its financial future.
- The boards of David Jones and owner Anchorage Capital Partners will place the group into voluntary administration on Thursday after talks broke down.
- (Source: Getty) Storied Australian department store chain David Jones has collapsed into administration after a series of crisis meetings between its landlords and venture capital owner.