Coronavirus: Troubled retail giant Colette by Colette Hayman to close all its stores
More than 200 employees of a major retail brand which was already in trouble before the coronavirus outbreak is to close all of its stores across Australia.
Manly
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A northern beaches-based retail business with nearly 100 stores across Australia is to close all its stores today.
Colette by Colette Hayman announced it was going into voluntary administration in February with the closure of 33 stores across Australia and New Zealand.
It was hoped the remaining 105 other stores, including one at Warringah Mall, could be sold.
However, voluntary administrators today announced the remaining stores would close until further notice as a result of the coronavirus health crisis.
“Until today, we have been able to effectively manage shopfront operations in what is a rapidly changing public health and trading environment,” administrator Vaughan Strawbridge said.
“But the reality is that COVID-19 presents a health risk in a retail environment, and without being able to guarantee a safe environment for store employees, and with their health a priority, we have had to make this decision to cease trading across the 93 store network in Australia.”
The closures will affect approximately 210 permanent staff, plus casuals.
Stores in in New Zealand have already closed as a result of government directives.
Colette Hayman, who lives in Manly, was the creative brain behind the popular and affordable accessories brand, which was known for its handbags.
The headquarters of the fashion store is in Brookvale.
“These are extraordinary times, and there is also no certainty that many retail operators in Australia will be able to continue trading amidst so much uncertainty and with public health measures changing so frequently,” Mr Strawbridge said.
Employees are being stood down with access to certain leave entitlements and every support possible to ensure they can access relevant government support services.
Online sales and order deliveries are not affected.
Mr Strawbridge added that they hope to re-open the bricks and mortar business when the public health threat has passed.