Shock as fashion chain shuts up shops

CUSTOMERS have been left in shock after a business closed three stores in Townsville without notice.

Embattled fashion store Crossroads has in recent months closed its three Townsville stores along with outlets in Cairns.

It’s understood a store in Stockland Townsville was first to close, then CastleTown Shoppingworld, followed by its last outlet at Willows Shopping Centre.

The company has responded to disappointed customers who asked about the closures.

“As a business, we take careful consideration and care to ensure that we can continue to grow and serve our customers to the best of our ability,” the company said in a statement seen by the Bulletin.

“Regrettably, this means that sometimes we have to make the very difficult decision to close some stores.

“Customers are our priority so we are always looking for opportunities to open stores in new areas and return to previous locations.

“We also have the flexibility of our online store where you can shop 24/ 7 and have delivery straight to your home, workplace, PO box or store.”

Speciality Fashion Group, whose stable of brands also includes City Chic, and Autograph, in November announced plans to close more than 300 stores amid international competition, online shopping and subdued consumer spending.

It’s understood Crossroads also recently closed outlets in Cairns, Taree, Penrith and Wellington in New Zealand.

In a statement to the ASX on April 3, Speciality Fashion Group said it had been undertaking a comprehensive structural review and assessment of all options and opportunities to improve shareholder value.

The Bulletin contacted Crossroads for comment.