$62 million fashion retail chain collapses

An Australian women’s fashion retailer with annual turnover of $62 million has collapsed.

The directors of Grace Fashion, the parent company of retail chain SES Fashions, appointed Stewart Free, Bradd Morelli and Sule Arnautovic of Jirsch Sutherland as administrators on April 22.

SES Fashions currently operates 44 retail stores across the country, employing approximately 300 workers. The chain specialises in affordable women’s fashion items, including clothing, shoes and accessories.

Free told SmartCompany that Jirsch Sutherland has had nine parties register interest for the business ahead of the first meeting of creditors, which will be held in Sydney on May 2.

Free said the administrators are still investigating the state of the company’s books but its debts are believed to be around $12 million.

Free said a “very lacklustre” retail market in the first few months of this year is the main factor in pushing the company into administration, along with “some pressure from suppliers”.

Colin Porter, managing director of Creditwatch, told SmartCompany that it is “definitely a tough environment” for retailers in Australia.

Porter said the collapse of SES Fashions is a prime example of the need for wholesales and suppliers to “be really vigilant” and understand their clients and the market they are supplying.

SES Fashion’s administration follows the collapses earlier this year of fashion retailers Jasu and UnderCoverWear.