Retailer Oroton moves into voluntary administration

LUXURY handbag maker Oroton has collapsed, becoming the nation’s latest retail victim.

The listed luxury retailer, whose most recent public face has been Aussie actor Rose Byrne, announced this morning is was placing itself in voluntary administration.

Oroton sells designer bags, jewellery and accessories and has more than 70 stores across Australia, New Zealand and Malaysia.

Interim chief executive Ross Lane said there was no other solution that could achieve a better outcome after efforts to recapitalise or sell the 79-year-old retailer failed.

OrotonGroup shares in trading halt as earnings deteriorate

“The board is disappointed that it has had to take this step after running such a comprehensive process,” he said in a statement lodged with the Australian Securities Exchange.

“However, having carefully considered the options available to the company at the conclusion of its strategic review, it is apparent that voluntary administration is necessary to protect the Oroton business and the future of this iconic Australian brand.”

Administrator Vaughan Strawbridge from Deloitte Restructuring Services said the business would continue to operate as he sought a recapitalisation and sale of the brand.

Oroton sank to a $14.3 million full-year loss in the year to July 29, compared to a $3.4 million profit the previous year. The group’s shares were suspended from trade on Tuesday ahead of the announcement today.

Oroton becomes the latest traditional bricks-and-mortar retailer to face ruin as international brands enter the nation and new online competitors emerge.

Topshop and Topman Australia, Marcs, David Lawrence, Herringbone, Rhodes & Beckett, Pumpkin Patch and Payless Shoes have all collapsed over the past two years.

Myer and David Jones are both losing sales while Speciality Fashion Group, whose stable of brands includes Katies, Millers and Rivers is in the process of closing more than 300 stores. Shares in Oroton last traded at 43.5c each after slumping from more than $2 over the past year.