Shops fold in Cairns centre

CAIRNS Central will say goodbye to two longstanding retailers in the coming weeks after they both went into administration.

Make-up giant Napoleon Perdis appointed Worrells Solvency Accountants as administrators last Thursday and has closed almost half of its Australian stores since, including its Cairns Central business.

“The brand is still in high demand from our customers and is more innovative than ever, so by restructuring the business in this manner, we believe, puts it in a prime position to continue to evolve through continued trade or in a sale,” Mr Perdis said.

“My family and I are 100 per cent committed to achieving the best outcome for all stakeholders.

“We are fortunate that throughout our business, we have staff and teams who have not only underpinned the business success, but who are our extended family.

“Their unwavering contribution will undoubtedly pave the way for the successful and strategic trade-on.

“As we work towards our goals, we ask customers, suppliers and other interested parties to continue with their valued support of the brand.”

Simon Cathro, Chris Cook, and Ivan Glavas have been appointed as administrators.

“The Napoleon Perdis brand is an iconic brand of Australia with substantial value and relevance within the cosmetic industry, both for Australian and international markets,” Mr Cathro said.

“Our understanding of the brand and its businesses has only strengthened our assessment of its potential business performance and profitability.”

Meanwhile, menswear retailer Ed Harry has failed to find a buyer after it went into voluntary administration in December.

KPMG’s Brendan Richards and Gayle Dickerson were appointed voluntary administrators, but have not had success finding a buyer.

A KPMG spokeswoman told the Cairns Post the store at Cairns Central was opened in August 1999, and that six staff members would be left without work when it closed.

She said across Queensland 115 Ed Harry staff – 46 casuals, 22 full-time workers and 47 part-time employees – would lose their jobs.

“Timing of closure (is) dependant on sales performance, (we’re) looking at a six to eight week period,” she said.

Ed Harry is no longer selling gift cards, but KMPG is honouring gift cards on a $1 for $1 basis, meaning anyone who wants to use a gift card has to purchase an equal amount of goods in cash.