Source : Perth Now news
Perth shoppers have spoken of their deep sadness and disbelief following news retail giant David Jones has plunged into administration.
The future of the 188-year-old brand hangs in the balance following reports of unpaid rent and mounting financial turmoil.
For 26-year-old Belsam Awad, who worked at the Karrinyup store for three years, the prospect of losing the retail institution is heartbreaking.
“I’ve been shopping here for years and years,” Ms Awad said.
“I’m actually so sad because David Jones has everything so you go in and you’re all sorted. It’s the best department store with all the classy stuff and all the good brands.”
Ms Awad warned digital storefronts simply could not replace the luxurious experience of the brick-and-mortar retail institution.
“Online shopping is not as good as turning every corner and seeing your favourite brands. Online shopping is (what you do to) just buy one thing,” she said.
“With David Jones it has everything, you go and you buy things you forgot you even needed because you see it. It’s never going to be the same if it closes down.
“There’s complimentary services in store that you can’t get online. Myer is good too, but David Jones has the brands I shop and I can’t find them in Myer.”
For 75-year-old Sheryl Kannapin, who has frequented the city store since childhood, Thursday’s announcement brought sadness and memories of an opulent experience gone by.
“It’s very sad,” Ms Kannapin said.
“It was speculated some time ago and I just thought someone would take it over, but I’m not surprised with all the online shopping.
“I started coming here as a child. I’ll be very sad if the Perth store closes — I loved when they had the champagne and oyster bar especially.”
Patricia James recalled visiting the store alongside her mother decades ago.
“I think it would be sad to see David Jones go under. They’ve had a lot of problems over the years, but they’re a great shop,” Ms James said.
“They’ve been here a long time now and I just hope that they’ve sorted things out. We can’t lose any more businesses in the city of Perth.”
City worker Rose Dean, 32, who regularly browses the aisles during her work breaks, described the retailer as an essential Australian pillar.
“I was shocked because I feel like it’s a real staple Australian shop — it’s one of the main ones that everyone’s heard of and we have in all of the different cities,” Ms Dean said.
“I think the one in the city needs a refurb… but it was nice to be able to have access to all the different shops.
“It will make a difference to the shopping experience here in the city if it does shut. I get all my shoes and workwear from here.”
Many loyal shoppers admitted they were stunned that David Jones was the retailer on the brink of closure rather than its primary competitor.
“I love David Jones. I prefer it to Myer. I thought Myer would close down if any store was going to shut down,” Tammy Angelidis said.
“I’ve always shopped at David Jones, especially Christmas time. They’ve got the best Christmas decorations.”
Laura Grogan agreed, noting the brand’s reputation for premium customer service.
“It’s really sad because it’s a beautiful shopping complex as well, beautiful brands and always great customer service,” Ms Grogan said.
“I was a Myer girl to start with, and then I’ve gone over to David Jones as I’ve got older. I just appreciate the quality of clothing and all the different brands they stock.
“It’s really unfortunate. I think one of the first things that I said is, I would have expected it would have been Myer over David Jones.”
The shock of the impending closures has extended well beyond Western Australia’s borders.
Interstate visitors Cat Perkovic and Jeremy Hill said the demise of department stores was leaving a noticeable void in CBD footprints across the nation.
“We’re from Queensland and our Myer closed, so if David Jones closes too we will have no department store which is devastating,” Ms Perkovic said.
“David Jones was always really classy and such a nice experience so it’s a shame. I love David Jones.”
