David Jones was months behind in payments to some small Australian brands before going into administration, suppliers say
News Source
β’Fri, 06 Nov 2026 14:00:45 GMT
π° What Happened
Small Australian brands say David Jones owed them money for months before the chain collapsed. Some waited more than three months for payment. Others were offered faster payment only if they cut their prices again.
The 188-year-old department store went into administration on Thursday. It came after missed rent payments to Scentre Group, which owns Westfield centres. Receivers from FTI Consulting now run the stores day to day.
π The Backstory
Beysis, a Sydney drinkware brand, shipped stock in April on 14-day terms. The money never came. Slowdown Studio sent blankets and an invoice for almost $75,000. That payment also failed.
Luxury labels use concession stores, so they keep control of their stock and can pull it out. Small suppliers cannot. They sit near the bottom of the creditor list.
A creditors' meeting is expected next week.
π― Why It Matters
Hundreds of small firms may lose most of what they are owed. That can mean lost jobs and closed businesses in local towns.
Small Australian brands say David Jones owed them money for months before the chain collapsed. Some waited more than three months for payment. Others were offered faster payment only if they cut their prices again.
The 188-year-old department store went into administration on Thursday. It came after missed rent payments to Scentre Group, which owns Westfield centres. Receivers from FTI Consulting now run the stores day to day.
Beysis, a Sydney drinkware brand, shipped stock in April on 14-day terms. The money never came. Slowdown Studio sent blankets and an invoice for almost $75,000. That payment also failed.
Luxury labels use concession stores, so they keep control of their stock and can pull it out. Small suppliers cannot. They sit near the bottom of the creditor list.
A creditors' meeting is expected next week.
Hundreds of small firms may lose most of what they are owed. That can mean lost jobs and closed businesses in local towns.