Harris Scarfe’s Hobart store will close its doors “in the near future”

Following uncertainty about retail’s future, a major department store in Tasmania’s capital will close its doors.

Following uncertainty about retail’s future, a major department store in Tasmania’s capital will close its doors.

Harris Scarfe has announced, in an email sent out to customers, its Hobart store would be closing its doors “in the near future”.

The much-loved department store was closed in early 2017 for significant renovations, and the upgraded store reopened in mid-2018.

Concerns were raised over the future of the store in late 2019 when Harris Scarfe went into voluntary administration.

The future of Harris Scarfe in Hobart was unclear after the company went into voluntary administration. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

The email said while in receivership, management had worked with suppliers, partners, and landlords in an effort to reshape the cost base of the business to ensure it would have “a strong and viable future”.

“As part of this process we have been focused on creating a viable plan for our store in Hobart,” the email read.

“Unfortunately, despite the great work of everyone involved, this effort has been unsuccessful.

“We have therefore made the difficult decision to close our Hobart store in the near future.”

It is believed some staff have been made redundant due to the decision.

The email thanked customers for the support shown over the store’s very long history in the city.

A spokesman for the Harris Scarfe Receivers said 35 jobs will be lost.

“Harris Scarfe is, unfortunately, not immune to the realities that all businesses are facing in the current environment,” he said.

“Unlike many other retailers, and with 1200 employees, the business continues to trade and stores remain open.

“Due to the inability to negotiate terms with the landlord that would make the Hobart store commercially viable, it will be necessary to close this store over the next few months.

“Fifteen full and part-time roles and 20 casual positions will be made redundant, and all affected employees will be paid all entitlements in full.”

The department store was formerly known as Fitzgerald’s Department Store, with the Hobart branch the state’s flagship store.

It was acquired and rebranded by Harris Scarfe in 1995.

Harris Scarfe’s stores in Moonah, Launceston, Devonport, and Ulverstone will be unaffected by the closure.