Noosa retailer Mura Boutique in administration owing $6m to creditors and staff

A boutique Noosa retailer has collapsed into administration with nearly $6 million owed to creditors amid claims it allegedly traded insolvent for three years.

Mura Boutique founder Asako Nakamura. Picture: David Kelly

An iconic Noosa retailer which has collapsed owing creditors nearly $6 million and had allegedly traded insolvent for three years, according to liquidators.

Online women’s retailer Mura Boutique and during the past decade of operation had stores in Noosa Civic, Sunshine Coast Plaza and Indooroopilly Shopping Centre.

It was founded by Asako Nakamura when she was aged 22 in Noosa which she expanded to ship worldwide, providing everyday, affordable clothing.

The company, Mura Co Pty Ltd, of which Takashi Nakamura is listed as director and secretary, owes $2,842,719.88

Another connected company, Blue and White Pty Ltd, of which Taskashi is also listed as director and secretary, owes $2,962,056.44.

Asako Nakamura, along with Yuko Nakamura, are listed as former directors of both companies as of January 1, 2025.

Both companies went into external administration on January 28, with Terrence John Rose from SV Partners appointed liquidator.

Mura Boutique founder Asako Nakamura. Pic David Kelly

A SV Partners report alleges that the directors and former directors “failed to act with care and diligence and in good faith and the proper purpose”.

Preliminary reports have indicated both companies have allegedly been trading insolvent for over three years and owes more than $6 million to all creditors, along with thousands of dollars in staff entitlements.

“Based on the information available to me, I believe that directors and former directors may have breached this section of the act in relation to trading the companies while they may have been insolvent,” the report said.

Asako Nakamura also known as Asako Hammond social media page has been dedicated to family photos, luxurious holidays and has most recently posted a dinner at SK Steak & Oyster in James Street, Fortitude Valley.

The “casual coastal” online retailer website remains operational displaying multiple dresses, tops and other items with limited sizes and some heavily marked down.

But customers have raised concerns about returns and placing orders with the retailer.

“Can you please contact me? I have tried numerous times to email you and you have not responded. I returned my item and you have not collected it from the post office. Last day off collection is today,” a customer on their social media page said

“I’ve been chasing my refund since December,” another customer said.

“Hello is your site down I can’t place an order,” another said.

The Mura Boutique main social media Instagram page has over 700k followers and last posted on January 16.

The report has found Mura Boutique had three Mercedes Benz with a book value of $262,275 listed against the company that will be sold off accordingly.

Over $23,000 in superannuation and annual leave entitlements have been left owed to employees of Mura Boutique.

“I encourage all former to lodge their claim for outstanding entitlements with FEG as soon as possible,” the report said.

Numerous voidable transactions have also been identified totalling $227,991.22 for Mura Boutique.

“I am in the process of investigating these transitions further and are assessing the commerciality of pursuing the same,” the report said.

Ms Nakamura and Mura Boutique has been approached for comment.