David Jones has recorded its strongest-ever sales and customer numbers, according to its receivers, as Australians continue to support the department store following its collapse into administration.
The 188-year-old retailer entered voluntary administration and receivership on Thursday after failing to pay rent to Westfield owner Scentre Group, leaving the future of its 6,000 employees uncertain.
The surge in trading comes as David Jones revises its refund and exchange policy while the administration process continues.
Customers who bought products before November 7 will have 30 days from the date of purchase to seek a refund or exchange. An additional five days will apply to online purchases.
Refunds and exchanges will not be available for gift cards, food, furniture or bedding.
Gift cards and existing store credits can still be used at stores that remain open, while paid orders and lay-bys already in progress will continue to be fulfilled as usual.
However, David Jones has suspended gift card sales, leading consumer advocates to encourage shoppers to use any unused cards promptly.
In a statement released on Monday, receivers Christopher Hill, David McGrath and Joanne Dunn of FTI Consulting said David Jones ‘remains fully operational and is serving customers throughout Australia and New Zealand’.
David Jones has recorded record sales and foot traffic as Australians continue to visit the retailer after it entered voluntary administration and receivership
‘Since the receivers’ appointment, foot traffic and sales throughout David Jones stores and online has been at record levels, reinforcing the public’s love for David Jones and support for an iconic Australian brand,’ the statement said.
‘Following the strong trading in recent days, the receivers are placing orders for replenishment stock in the normal course of business with suppliers that have confirmed trading agreements, with the support of Hilco.’
SEE ALSO: Trump Says It’s “Highly Unlikely” He’ll Wage War on Iran Again
The receivers said promotional campaigns would continue ahead of Black Friday, with customers still able to shop a range of leading brands.
‘The receivers have overall had very positive engagement with David Jones’ trade partners and are working with these stakeholders to ensure customers continue to have access to leading brands,’ they said.
‘Promotional activities in store and online will continue to be reviewed throughout the upcoming weeks, as they would in any trading period and particularly as we head towards Black Friday.
‘We look forward to continuing to welcome customers into David Jones’ stores to enjoy the unique David Jones shopping experience.’
Despite the retailer’s uncertain outlook, the receivers said no final decisions had been made about employees or other stakeholders.
‘We continue to review the operations in the context of the plan the company was working towards prior to our appointment,’ the statement read.
The department store entered voluntary administration on Thursday, putting the future of the 188-year-old retailer and its 6,000 employees in doubt after it failed to pay rent to Westfield owner Scentre Group
‘At the time final decisions are made, David Jones will communicate those first to any employees and other stakeholders who may be impacted,’ they said.
‘We would ask that speculation on this matter is avoided out of respect for the real people who are the heart of the David Jones business and continue to put customers first every day.’
David Jones CEO Erica Berchtold thanked customers for continuing to support the retailer last week.
‘We have a well-developed plan on how to reset the business for the future and will be working with the administrators, the receivers and our secured lender as we continue to pursue that reset of the business,’ she said.