Rundle Mall’s Reject Shop reveals why it is shutting down
The owners of Rundle Mall’s Reject Shop have shed light on why the store has closed for good, after operating at the city hotspot for almost three decades.
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The owners of Rundle Mall’s Reject Shop have revealed why they have are closing its store permanently, after operating at the city hotspot for almost three decades.
A spokesman for Reject Shop told The Advertiser the decision came after the landlord declined to renew the lease, forcing the store to completely shut its doors next Thursday.
“The Reject Shop is disappointed that, after 27 years, the landlord at its Rundle Mall store has decided to not renew the lease,” the spokesman said.
Level one of the building is now available for lease through McGees Property, with a property listing describing it as suitable for a “funky office” or retail store.
Asked why the landlord did not renew the lease, McGees Property associate director Tim Pozza said: “The lessors are working on bringing new and exciting brands and retail to the CBD and Rundle Mall.”
A spokesman for The Reject Shop said all team members at the Rundle Mall store will be offered employment at another Reject Shop.
The Reject Shop faced long-running issues with the store’s escalators, which were not operating on Wednesday morning.
The shop is housed in the heritage-listed former Coles department store, built in 1940 in an art deco style.
The building’s proprietor is listed in property records as Melbourne-based company Nimbin Pty Ltd, which has been contacted for further comment.
Other tenants in the building include ANZ, Jay Jays, Jetty Surf, Prides College, Adelaide Bank and Cibo Coffee.
“It has been a privilege to bring joy to customers and help millions of South Australians save money at our Rundle Mall store for almost three decades,” the TRS spokesman said.
He encouraged customers to visit one of their 28 stores across the state, as they work to find a new Adelaide CBD store location.
In the past five years, the company has launched five stores across the state, including Victor Harbor, Port Adelaide, Mount Gambier, Fulham Gardens and Hallett Cove, with another new store expected to open this year.
Dismayed customers were alerted to the closure after a notice was spotted behind the counter stating: “The Reject Shop Rundle Mall will be closing on Thursday 16 January.”
“We apologise for any inconvenience caused,” the notice continued. “We invite you to continue shopping at our Prospect or Greenacre stores.”
The notice also thanked “loyal customers” for their support over the past 27 years.
“It has been a pleasure to serve the Adelaide CBD community,” the notice read.
In August last year, Inside Retail reported The Reject Shop’s net profit had dropped 35.9 per cent to $4.7 million, as sales grew 4.1 per cent to $852.7 million.
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