Overview
- Pitcher Partners was appointed voluntary administrator and has announced that 20 of Betts’ 35 Australian stores will close, leaving 15 stores to remain open.
- Administrators said weak consumer demand, higher fuel and operating costs and falling foot traffic forced the decision and that resources will be refocused on stronger stores and online sales.
- Betts published a list of specific closures across Western Australia, New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia and the Northern Territory and will run large clearance sales to move more than 120,000 pairs of shoes, bags and accessories.
- About 70 in-store roles in Western Australia are expected to be affected and administrators said some team members will be offered relocation or other support during the wind-down.
- Founded in 1892 and once operating roughly 220 stores, Betts’ downsizing reflects a longer shift away from mall-based retail and follows a recent wave of Australian retailers cutting stores or moving operations online.