Administrators of Topshop’s Australian franchise have shut five of the fashion retailer’s nine standalone stores as they attempt to save the business.
Topshop branches at the Chatswood and Miranda shopping centres in New South Wales, Highpoint in Melbourne, and Perth have shut in the past fortnight, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.
Among stores slated for closure is the branch on Chapel Street, in Melbourne’s South Yarra, which in 2011 was the first to open in Australia.
On Saturday, the Chapel Street shop had “closing soon” signs on its windows.
The Australian franchise of Topshop went into voluntary administration in May.
Rescue talks to try to save the business continue between its Australian owners and Topshop-owner Arcadia tycoon Sir Philip Green.
Australian retailer Myer has a 20% stake in the Topshop Australia business and has Topshop concessions in 17 stores.
Topshop was introduced in Australia by Austradia, controlled by retailer Hilton Seskin.
When it went into administration in May 25, Topshop Australia had debts of AUS$35m.
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