Bendigo retailer steps in to stock brands stranded by David Jones collapse
Frankie & Co offers to stock independent Australian labels hit by David Jones' $100 million collapse.
David Jones' sudden collapse into voluntary administration has left dozens of Australian fashion brands with unpaid invoices and no way to recover stock. The department store reportedly owes suppliers $100 million.
Brands like K Juliet, which had only just launched in David Jones, and Eau Bags, which had a major delivery in production, now face the anxious wait to see how much McGrathNicol's administrators will repay.
Frankie & Co, a Bendigo-based womenswear retailer, posted on social media offering to stock any affected brands. "As a small Aussie business, we understand the love and soul that goes into your day-to-day," the retailer said.
"We want to support you." Frankie & Co already stocks several labels that also sell through David Jones, including Betty Basics and Le Specs.
- $100 million to suppliers
- David Jones debt
- Just launched in David Jones
- K Juliet status
- Bendigo, Victoria
- Frankie & Co location
Why it mattersSmall fashion brands now face potential total loss of stock and payment. Frankie & Co's offer shows how independent retailers can absorb some of the fallout, though the scale of the collapse means many suppliers will suffer significant damage.
AustraliaAustralian independent fashion labels face cash crisis and lost Christmas sales. Smaller retailers and suppliers are reminded of the risk of relying too heavily on large department stores for distribution.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 13 h ago
