Roger David clears out

ROGER David is closing down after 76 years of business, after the menswear retailer collapsed in the face of competition from international and online rivals.

The company, which has stores in Westfield and Waurn Ponds and employs more than 300 staff nationwide, will hold a closing down sale through the Christmas retail period under administrators KordaMentha.

“Despite the directors’ best efforts with the business, it simply could not compete with the influx of multinational retailers and the rapid, global evolution of online shopping,” Roger David directors said in a statement yesterday.

KordaMentha said the company had been exploring options including a sale of the business, but was unable to avoid administration.

“Roger David, like many other fashion retailers, has been buffeted by global com- petition, stagnant sales and rising fixed costs,” Craig Shepard of KordaMentha said.

No timing has been given for the store closures, while gift cards will be honoured for the next month and stock will be marked down to raise as much money as possible for employers and creditors.

The first creditors’ meeting will be held on October 30.

Roger David follows retailers including Marcs, Pumpkin Patch, Payless Shoes and Rhodes & Beckett in entering administration, although some brands have survived under new owners.

The directors thanked current and past staff for their service with the third-largest specialty menswear chain in Australia.

“Thank you also to Roger David’s loyal customers who have been on a journey with Roger David since we opened our doors,” the directors said.

“Like you, we are heartbroken but forever grateful to have served generations of your family since 1942.”