Failed hardware chain Masters faces more trouble with crashing website

FAILED Masters hardware chain faces more trouble as its website crashes and US Retailer Lowe’s has taken urgent court action against Woolworths.

The Masters wind-up has hit a snag. Picture: Brendan Radke

AS if Masters hasn’t had enough trouble already, now it’s site has crashed as the store attempts to get rid of its hardware stock.

News.com.au spoke to a customer service representative who said they “have no idea what’s going on”.

Masters Home Improvement website has crashed.

People trying to access the failed hardware store’s site will be greeted with a message saying it’s under maintenance.

“Our website is under maintenance to improve your shopping experience,” it says.

“We appreciate you patience and we apologise for any inconvenience. Please try us shortly.”

It then suggests visiting another site for DIY inspiration, but that site too has crashed.

The customer service representative confirmed the site had crashed and said to check back in an “hour or so”.

Masters has “no idea” what’s happening with its websites.

Meanwhile US retailer Lowe’s has begun Federal Court action against Woolworths over the failed Masters hardware chain.

Lowe’s lodged a motion in the court in Sydney accusing Woolworths of wrongfully attempting to terminate the joint venture (JV) formed by the pair in 2009, and is asking the court to appoint a liquidator to oversee the wind-up of Masters.

“Woolworths has engaged in oppressive conduct, including by invalidly and in bad faith attempting to terminate the JV,” a statement from Lowe’s said on Monday.

The statement said Lowe’s was left with no other option but to take the matter to court “to achieve an equitable and orderly wind-up” of Masters. Lowe’s owns one-third of the company it created with Woolworths, called Hydrox Holdings.

It also accused Woolworths of seeking to exclude Lowe’s from the management of Hydrox.

Woolworths announced on Wednesday that it will shut all Masters stores by December 11.

It said Home Consortium, which includes the companies behind retailers Spotlight and Chemist Warehouse, had bought 61 stores and 21 development sites with plans to convert the Masters buildings into shopping centres.

Lowe’s is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and owns home improvement chains in the US, Canada and Mexico.

Woolworths declined to comment.