Victoria’s Secret store cuts 40 casual workers in Chadstone

Lingerie megastore Victoria’s Secret has been stripped bare, with dozens of staff sacked just months after the company opened its doors in Australia.

Model Kendall Jenner walks the runway during the 2018 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show at Pier 94 on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018, in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

Lingerie megastore Victoria’s Secret has been stripped bare, with dozens of staff sacked just months after the company opened its doors in Australia.

Former staff estimate up to 40 casuals at Victoria Secret’s Chadstone boutique received termination letters from the label’s parent company, Valiram Group, on Wednesday.

The Herald Sun was given a copy of the letter by one former employee, who wished to remain anonymous.

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“This has been a great Christmas for the Valiram business in Australia and we’d like to say a very big THANK YOU for all your help and hard work in making it happen,” the letter read. “Sadly, as we return to normal trade, casual shifts will be coming to a close by end of January (when) the retail market goes back to normal pace, and we will have to say goodbye to our casual team.”

Model Kendall Jenner walks the runway during the 2018 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show in New York. Picture: AP

Former staff say they are disappointed in the handling of the situation.

“When we were employed, we were never given any indication that it was for just the Christmas period,” said one former employee, who was hired in October ahead of the flagship store’s opening.

“A number of girls left other jobs because they thought their new role at Victoria’s Secret would be ongoing. It’s just disheartening to receive the news over email and not be addressed by management.”

A spokesperson for Valiram said in a statement: “We value all our casual employees and engage them to support our business needs during peak trade periods. We welcome them to join us this holiday when there are opportunities”.

Victoria’s Secret opened at Chadstone in November 2018 to much fanfare, with more than 1000 eager shoppers queuing to be among the first inside the lingerie retailer’s first Australian flagship location.

The brand is iconic not only for its lacy intimates and fragrances, but also for its annual runway shows and roll call of Victoria’s Secrets “angels”, which over the years has included models Miranda Kerr, Jessica Hart, Kendall Jenner, Shanina Shaik and Gigi Hadid.

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