Jeanswest stores close, hundreds lose work

Queensland Jeanswest stores are among 37 across Australia to be closed as administrators search for a new buyer of the embattled fashion chain.

JEANSWEST stores will close and 263 employees made redundant as administrators restructure the embattled denim business.

Six Queensland stores will be among 37 across Australia to close.

Queensland stores at Burleigh, Castletown, Chermside, Earlville, Maroochydore and the Myer Centre will close.

The company was put into administration last week.

Administrators Peter Gothard and James Stewart from KPMG confirmed they had started

restructuring the business while the sale campaign continues.

Mr Gothard and Mr Stewart said as part of the restructure, 37 stores would be

closed and 263 employees would be made redundant.

Jeanswest will close 37 stores.

Mr Stewart said the decision to restructure the business was a difficult but necessary one taken to provide the best possible chance of attracting a new owner.

“The decision to proactively restructure the business early in the administration process has not been taken lightly,” he said.

“We are very mindful of the serious impact store closures and staff redundancies have on people’s lives.

“However, we must also work to maximise the opportunity for this business to be sold or restructured – to give it the best chance to continue.”

Mr Stewart said the administrators would look to redeploy team members where possible.

Originally published as Jeanswest stores close, hundreds lose work