As global retailing adjusts to huge changes there are inevitable departures and here are some retailers who have succumbed to the pressure in Australia.
1. Ernest Hillier – this century old Australian chocolatier was previously sold to a group of investors but collapsed into voluntary administration earlier in the year.
2. Betta Foods – this sister company of Ernest Hillier was a supplier of ice-cream cones, liquorice and other lollies to major retailers like Coles, Woolworths and Aldi. It also fell over earlier in the year.
3. Homeart – long time homewares chain, Homeart, originally started as Copperart in 1978 but collapsed into administration with all remaining stores closed by March 2015.
4. Burdines – this clothing chain operated 12 stores across Melbourne and in regional areas before closing in February.
5. Wendy’s Supa Sundaes – this former master franchisor of the Wendy’s Hot dog and ice cream chain collapsed in July with 4 company owned and operated stores closing. Other Wendy’s outlets operated by Singapore based Supatreats Australia are unaffected.
6. Koko Black – this chocolate retailer with a store at QVM made headlines back in November when it entered administration. Stores have continued to operate.