Famous homewares retailer Fenton & Fenton goes under
- Replies 8
Every keen shopper knows Fenton & Fenton as one of the trendiest homewares companies in Melbourne. But the much-loved Australian boutique with an A-list following has suddenly collapsed.
The company, which had been thriving for years in the chic suburb of Prahran, was put under liquidation, and the website has since gone defunct.
Owner Lucy Fenton opened her first showroom on High Street, Prahran, in 2008 and turned it into an enormous success. Describing the company’s distinctive niche as 'part interiors boutique, part gallery,' Fenton & Fenton had created a treasure trove of furniture, homewares, and art from a rainbow of colours and patterns sourced locally and globally.
Due to its success, Fenton & Fenton expanded, opening another showroom in Collingwood in May 2019. Australians and New Zealanders also had access to their products via their popular online store. But the icing on the cake was the brand’s Instagram page, which had gathered over 350,000 followers, including many prominent celebrities like Carrie Bickmore, Kyly Clarke, Pip Edwards, Sonia Kruger and Sylvia Jeffries as followers.
Unfortunately, all that can be seen on their website now is an announcement of the business’s official liquidation and the appointment of external administrators Adam Nikitins and Stewart McCallum of EY. This development has prompted a flurry of concerned customers to enquire online about their outstanding store credits and orders.
‘I’m shocked! Awaiting my order … not sure I’ll see it now,’ one customer said.
‘Just wondering if you will be honouring outstanding credit notes now that you have gone into liquidation?’ another asked.
The company has yet to issue a formal statement to address these concerns.
The collapse of Fenton & Fenton is another devastating consequence of the harsh economic conditions in the Australian retail sector. Rising interest rates have caused Australians to trim down their spending, leading to the closure of several independent retailers. Recently we have borne witness to the failures of big retailers like Rockport, EziBuy, Sanity, Alice McCall, Brosa, Soda Shades, and Sneakerboy–not to mention the bankruptcy of e-commerce giant Missguided.
While it’s unclear if Fenton & Fenton’s loyal customers will ever see the outstanding store credit and orders, one thing remains true: the retail industry in Australia is going through some very challenging times.
Seniors Discount Club members, as a community of savvy shoppers, let’s use this as a reminder to stay vigilant and aware of the retail blues. Keep up to date with news like this, and don’t be afraid to ask retailers about buyer’s protection policies if you’re unsure. That way, everyone can stay safe and secure while enjoying Australia's wonderful shopping experience.
What do you think of this story, dear members? Have you shopped at Fenton & Fenton recently? Share your experience and thoughts below!
The company, which had been thriving for years in the chic suburb of Prahran, was put under liquidation, and the website has since gone defunct.
Owner Lucy Fenton opened her first showroom on High Street, Prahran, in 2008 and turned it into an enormous success. Describing the company’s distinctive niche as 'part interiors boutique, part gallery,' Fenton & Fenton had created a treasure trove of furniture, homewares, and art from a rainbow of colours and patterns sourced locally and globally.
Lucy Fenton, owner of Fenton & Fenton. Credit: @fenton_and_fenton/Instagram
Unfortunately, all that can be seen on their website now is an announcement of the business’s official liquidation and the appointment of external administrators Adam Nikitins and Stewart McCallum of EY. This development has prompted a flurry of concerned customers to enquire online about their outstanding store credits and orders.
The retailer’s website display the liquidation news. Credit: Fenton & Fenton
‘I’m shocked! Awaiting my order … not sure I’ll see it now,’ one customer said.
‘Just wondering if you will be honouring outstanding credit notes now that you have gone into liquidation?’ another asked.
The company has yet to issue a formal statement to address these concerns.
The collapse of Fenton & Fenton is another devastating consequence of the harsh economic conditions in the Australian retail sector. Rising interest rates have caused Australians to trim down their spending, leading to the closure of several independent retailers. Recently we have borne witness to the failures of big retailers like Rockport, EziBuy, Sanity, Alice McCall, Brosa, Soda Shades, and Sneakerboy–not to mention the bankruptcy of e-commerce giant Missguided.
Seniors Discount Club members, as a community of savvy shoppers, let’s use this as a reminder to stay vigilant and aware of the retail blues. Keep up to date with news like this, and don’t be afraid to ask retailers about buyer’s protection policies if you’re unsure. That way, everyone can stay safe and secure while enjoying Australia's wonderful shopping experience.
What do you think of this story, dear members? Have you shopped at Fenton & Fenton recently? Share your experience and thoughts below!
.png){kind=icon}
