Aussie fashion brand’s shock closures

A beloved Australian fashion label has revealed it is closing multiple stores across the country by the end of the year.

Sass & Bide, owned by Myer, has announced 10 stores are set to close from October 6.

The Australian-born fashion label will now have just four stores open, with an aim to shift focus to online sales.

The remaining stores which will remain in operation are located in Victoria, Western Australia and two in Queensland.

The stores which have been impacted by the closures include: Bondi, Paddington, Miranda and Chadstone in New South Wales, Rundle Street in South Australia, Doncaster and Emporium in Victoria and Karrinyup in Western Australia.

A store in Newmarket in New Zealand will also be closed.

Sass & Bide managing director Paula Mackenzie told Rag Trader staff would be affected at the 10 closing locations, but will be offered support.

“We will be offering all available support to them and will offer redeployment, where possible for our store team members,” Ms Mackenzie said.

“These decisions were not taken lightly but they are necessary to ensure the business is repositioned for growth and is sustainable into the future.”

The brand was launched in 1999 by Sarah-Jane Clarke and Heidi Middleton before Myer paid $42.3 million for a controlling stake in 2011, later buying out the remainder for $30 million in 2013.

Ms Mackenzie said there is also set to be a reduction in support office roles, however it is not known how many roles will be affected.

It is understood the brand will still be available at Myer and David Jones department stores.

“As part of our overall business strategy, we are aiming to deliver a leading offer and experience for our customers while also improving productivity and efficiency across the businesses,” Ms Mackenzie said.

“This includes ensuring our store and concessions network and support office is operating sustainably in the current trading environment.

“We have been reviewing the store footprint for S & B to ensure it is aligned with our popular in-store concessions and growing online business, meeting the needs of our loyal customers and operating sustainably.”

The news comes after beloved Australian brand Dion Lee collapsed into liquidation after owing $35 million to creditors.