‘Record levels’: Shoppers rush to DJs as receivers weigh store closures

• The receivers of David Jones say online sales and foot traffic has hit record levels since the retailer collapsed into administration.
• No decision has been made yet on closing stores or cutting jobs.
• Gift cards will still be honoured, and for the time being customers are still offered a 14-day exchange for change of mind.

The receivers of iconic retailer David Jones say they have seen “record levels” of foot traffic and online sales after the department store collapsed into administration.

Providing an update on the process, FTI Consulting said it had no updates on David Jones’ retail footprint, and staff would be the first to know if any jobs were to be made redundant.

“At the time final decisions are made, David Jones will communicate those first to any employees and other stakeholders who may be impacted,” receivers Christopher Hill, David McGrath and Joanne Dunn said.

“We would ask that speculation on this matter is avoided out of respect for the real people who are the heart of the David Jones business and continue to put customers first every day.”

FTI Consulting said, given strong demand, it would place orders to replenish stock as normal, and it anticipates David Jones will still offer Black Friday specials.

It also noted several images taken by shoppers of luxury brands emptying stock from their “pad” at flagship David Jones stores in Sydney and Melbourne.

“Whilst there were limited instances of brand partners withdrawing from some stores, the Receivers have overall had very positive engagement with David Jones’ trade partners and are working with
these stakeholders to ensure customers continue to have access to leading brands,” the receivers said.

“Promotional activities in store and online will continue to be reviewed throughout the upcoming weeks, as they would in any trading period and particularly as we head towards Black Friday.”

Following the retailer’s collapse into administration, much speculation focused on whether David Jones would honour gift cards and other consumer guarantees.

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The receivers said all processes will continue as normal for the time being while the retailer’s financial position is fully understood.

“With regard to trading policies, if there are any changes to arrangements with customers, David Jones will communicate those changes to customers and update its terms and conditions accordingly,” they said.

“We note customers continue to be protected under Australian Consumer Law for purchases made at David Jones, and David Jones is offering 14-day exchanges for change-of-mind purchases.”