‘We’re back baby’: Godfreys makes return a year after collapse

An iconic Australian retailer is making a sweeping comeback, one year after the business announced its collapse.

Iconic Australian retailer Godfreys is making a comeback to the retail space, a year after the business’s collapse.

The vacuum cleaner retailer filed for voluntary administration in January 2024, shuttering its physical and online retail stores across Australia and New Zealand by May the same year.

Godfreys announced its closure in early 2024.

In June, Godfreys Group’s brands and assets were acquired by Future Innovation Holdings, re-establishing the retailer’s online and wholesale business model.

The news of Godfreys return was confirmed by the company’s LinkedIn profile.

“Who said Godfreys was closed and gone?” the post read.

“Godfreys is coming back, baby!”

“The Godfreys brand has faced its challenges, but as they say, it doesn’t matter how you fall; it’s all about how you rise!

“We are coming back!”

Godfreys is coming back. Picture: Jessica Dempster

Godfreys was established in Melbourne in 1931 and became one of the leading vacuum cleaner retailers in the country, operating 220 stores across Australia and New Zealand at its peak.

Before its collapse, Godfreys’ business model employed about 600 staff and relied on a mixture of company stores and 28 franchise-operated shops.

When the business announced its closure in 2024, the retailer confirmed it was shutting 53 of its stores, with many franchise-owned stores being acquired by About Clean.

It is not yet known whether Godfreys will continue its franchise network under its new management.

Godfreys Group has been contacted for comment.

Originally published as ‘We’re back baby’: Godfreys makes return a year after collapse