Retail chain Shoobiz set to shut 43 stores
on January 9th, 2009 at 10:05 amAustralian discount footwear chain Shoobiz will close its 43 stores over the next few months, putting the jobs of 220 workers in doubt.
Shoobiz, established in 1983, is owned by Figgins Holdings, which owns the Midas, Mollini, Shoobiz, Scooter, Florsheim, Emporio and Evelyn Miles brands. Shoobiz is the chain’s cheapest brand.
Figgins says the closures were due to “the change in consumer behaviour and increasing costs”.
“We have seen a decline in demand with our Shoobiz brand having to compete with the likes of Kmart and others,” Figgins sales and marketing manager Sue Fletcher told The Advertiser.
The company will shut 26 stores by 20 February and the remaining stores over the next three months.
The company says it will try to find work for the company’s 220 workers in other parts of the group, but it appears almost certain that a number of staff will lose their jobs.
Figgins says it will also sell the Florsheim brand and re-brand its six Evelyn Miles boutiques as Midas stores.
