Mildura fashion retailers under threat

MILDURA’S Millers, Katies, Rivers, Autograph and Rockmans stores face an uncertain future.

Parent company Mosaic Brands announced on Tuesday up to 500 stores in its network would be closed within the next two years.

Mosaic Brands managing director and chief executive Scott Evans said forecasts of growth early last financial year were “utterly derailed”.

Mr Evans said about 20 per cent of the group’s portfolio was affected by bushfires over the Christmas period.

The coronavirus then led to the entire network of 1333 stores being closed for more than nine weeks, including the peak Mother’s Day period.

Mr Evans said closure locations were yet to be determined.

“The retail rental market in Australia is not paused because of the pandemic — it is fundamentally changed for the future,” he said.

“Some, though not all, landlords accept that reality, so while exact locations and numbers are to be determined, the group anticipates potentially 300-500 store closures over the coming 12-24 months.”

Shopping centre landlord Westfield last week locked Mosaic out of its stores amid rent negotiations.

Mosaic has six Mildura stores, including two Millers outlets.