Major shoe retailer Wittner falls into administration, seeks buyer

A 100-year-old company that survived two world wars has been taken down by the cost-of-living in 2025.

Iconic women’s shoe retailer Wittner, founded more than a century ago, has called in administrators as a cocktail of rising costs and falling sales causes their collapse.

Established in 1912 by HJ Wittner, the boot’s store was Australia’s first mail-order footwear business.

The profitability of the company in past years saw it purchased by British company Hilco Capital, which recently purchased Cue Clothing.

The insolvency of the three business that trade under the Wittner umbrella, Wittner Group Holdings, Wittner Retail Australia and Wittner Retail New Zealand will be handled by Deloitte experts Sal Algeri and David Orr.

The company will continue regular trade as the joint administrators undertake an urgent sale and/or recapitalisation of the business, according to Mr Algeri.

“We understand the appointment of Administrators will be particularly concerning to Wittner’s employees, as well the very loyal customer base it has built over decades,” he said, as first reported by the Australian Financial Review.

Wittner is the latest fashion retailer to go into administration due to rising costs of operation. Photo: Westfield

“Please be assured that trade will continue on a business-as-usual basis as we conduct an urgent review of the group’s finances and seek expressions of interest from parties interested in the sale or recapitalisation of this iconic Australian brand.”

Growing online sales and more concessions at Myer were unable to outweigh soaring labour and utilities costs, according to a statement issued by Wittner management.

“Growth in sales has been eroded by cost pressures from rising wages and occupancy costs, and more recently challenging trading conditions and supply-chain disruptions,” the statement read.

“We have invested in our range and teams over the last twelve months and remain committed to the Wittner business.

“We will work closely with the Administrators to achieve the best outcome for the business and its stakeholders.”

Despite rising online sales and more concessions at Myer, Wittner was unable to absorb rising costs Photo:Wittner

Wittner currently has over 20 physical stores in Australia and New Zealand, as well as 25 concession stores in Myer and David Jones.

It is also sold on major online retailer, The Iconic.

Wittner is not the only Australian retailer to be hit hard by inflated costs of operation, as their collapse follows Jeanswest revealing it would close over 90 shops and leave hundreds of staff unemployed as they go into administration.

Mosaic Brands is also closing down its two remaining labels, Millers and Noni B, cutting 900 jobs.