Betts, the 134-year-old Australian shoe retailer, is closing 20 of its 35 stores across the country as it pivots to an online-focused model. The move comes after a voluntary administrator was appointed to accelerate a business restructure.
Administrator Cites Tough Retail Conditions
Lindsay Bainbridge from Pitcher Partners Melbourne said the decision was driven by a slump in consumer sentiment, higher fuel prices, and rising business costs. “Australians grew up with Betts shoes, they know and love the brand, and we believe it has a strong outlook as a more streamlined operation,” Bainbridge said. “But the retail conditions and falling foot traffic in a lot of centres just are not sustainable for the business. We will close some stores, focus on strengthening others, and continue the company’s plans to expand retail online.”
Store Closures by State
Western Australia will be hardest hit, losing seven of its 11 stores. Closures include Betts Hay Street, Betts Gateway, Betts Mandurah, Betts Brand Direct WA, Betts Brand Direct DFO Perth, Betts Whitfords, and one of two Betts Joondalup stores. Surviving WA stores are in Booragoon, Carousel, and Karrinyup.
In South Australia, Betts Modbury, Betts West Lakes, and Betts Marion will close. The Northern Territory will lose its only store at Casuarina Square.
New South Wales closures include Betts Macquarie, Betts Liverpool, Betts Rouse Hill, and Betts Kotara. In Victoria, Betts Greensborough, Betts Ringwood, Betts Doncaster, and Betts Fountain Gate will shut. Queensland will lose Betts Indooroopilly.
Flagship stores in central Sydney and Melbourne will remain open.
Impact on Staff and Stock
About 70 in-store roles will be affected in WA alone. Bainbridge said the company has made efforts to support team members, with some staff to be relocated. More than 120,000 pairs of shoes, bags, and accessories will go on sale as stores close. “Customers can check stock online, but the best deals will be in the stores flagged for closure, where we will be running out stock,” Bainbridge added.
A History of Decline
Betts was launched by the Breckler brothers in Fremantle in 1892 and once operated 220 stores. Numbers have dwindled in recent years due to declining foot traffic and a shift to online shopping. The closure follows a tough June for Australian retail, with brands like Tully Lou, Glue, Lincraft, and Barbeques Galore also announcing closures or restructuring. Queensland University of Technology retail expert Gary Mortimer called it “the killing season,” when business boards scrutinise financials.
