Iconic Australian fashion label announces shock closures
Australian fashion label Sass & Bide has announced the closure of multiple stores across Australia.
The affected stores 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, as well as Newmarket in New Zealand.
The clothing brand, owned by Myer, was established in 1999 by Sarah-Jane Clarke and Heidi Middleton.
Myer paid $42.3 million for a controlling stake in 2011 before buying out the remainder for $30 million two years later.
Sass & Bide will now have just four operating stores in Victoria, Western Australia, and two in Queensland, with the aim of shifting their focus to online sales.
Sass & Bide managing director Paula Mackenzie confirmed that jobs will be affected, although how many is unclear.
“We will be offering all available support to them and will offer redeployment, where possible, for our store team members,” 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.”
There is also set to be a reduction in support office roles.
“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,” Mackenzie added.
Sass & Bide will still be available to purchase at Myer and David Jones stores.
Mumbrella has contacted Myer for comment.
Keep up to date with the latest in media and marketing
Have your say