Several stores around the Sunshine Coast are closing their doors after the fall of a major fashion group.
Local outlets of Millers, Noni B, Katies, Rivers, Rockmans, Autograph, Crossroads, W.Lane and BeMe have either shut down or are about to.
Their closures were essentially caused by the collapse of parent company Mosaic Brands late last year.
The outgoing manager of Rockmans at Nambour, Nicole James, said she had relished her time at the shop.
“I’ve had the absolute pleasure of working at the store for 8.5 years and managing it for the last 4 years,” she said via social media.
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“I’ve met some amazing people who I proudly call my friends. I loved my job with a passion and loved seeing and serving you.
“I wish to the thank the community for all your support over the years. We have shared many laughs and tears together.”
She told SCN that staff were “saddened” by the closure and were “on the lookout for jobs”.
There could be more than 20 Sunshine Coast outlets under the Mosaic umbrella affected. They include prominent shops at Sunshine Plaza and the conspicuous Rivers store across the road.
Mosaic went into voluntary administration in October, with KPMG partners and FTI Consulting appointed as respective receivers and administrators.
The company had discontinued Rockmans, Autograph, Crossroads, W.Lane and BeMe in September, and closed stores in an attempt to fortify its finances.
But it was then announced that Katies and Rivers would close, and it was last week revealed that the group’s final two brands, Millers and Noni B, would also be wound up.
The group had 763 stores and employed about 3000 people across Australia and New Zealand.
Partner at receiver KPMG David Hardy said the last of the stores were expected to close within the next couple of months.
“Despite the best efforts of all parties, we have been unable to achieve a sale of any of the brands within the Mosaic portfolio,” he said.
“As a result, all stores in the Mosaic Brands group will be wound down over the coming months.
“We expect all stores will be closed by mid-April.”
KPMG stated that the exact timing of individual store closures will vary and be dependent on stock levels and sell through.
Sale events and promotions are being held at stores and the receivers encouraged customers to visit their local store or the ecommerce site while stocks last.
