Country Road, Witchery, Mimco to Cut Nearly 100 Concessions in David Jones

Three Australian fashion labels—Country Road, Witchery, and Mimco—will reduce their presence within David Jones department stores by nearly 100 shopfronts. These brands, all part of the Country Road Group owned by Woolworths Holdings, are scaling back as part of a plan to decrease floor space by 6% by February 2027. David Jones, which was sold by Woolworths Holdings to Anchorage Capital Partners in 2022, is also seeing other luxury brands like Gucci, Christian Dior, and Chanel reduce or exit their concessions.

A spokesperson for Country Road Group stated that the adjustments are intended to improve customer engagement by focusing on locations, channels, and formats that best serve their clientele. The spokesperson added that the move also relates to locations where the brands already have a strong presence through their own retail network, emphasizing that David Jones remains a valued partner and will continue to host the brands.

David Jones confirmed it is collaborating with brand partners on adjustments to their exposures within the store network as part of a portfolio review. The department store aims to create new opportunities for partners and expand its exclusive and private label offerings.

The decision comes as Country Road Group reported a net loss of $21.7 million for the 2025-26 fiscal year, marking its third consecutive annual loss, despite a 1% increase in sales. The group's Australian division, however, returned to profitability for the first time since 2023, with earnings before interest and tax of $2.3 million.

David Jones itself reported a pre-tax loss of $95.5 million, according to filings with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission. The retailer has also closed stores in Castle Hill and Tuggerah in January. Experts suggest that the ongoing cost of living crisis and rising labor costs are likely to impact David Jones further, potentially leading to fewer and smaller store formats.