Federal court decision reveals truth as favourite Aussie fashion brand faces collapse

The Australian fashion industry is experiencing major changes as a well-known brand struggles financially.

With numerous stores and a large workforce affected, the situation highlights the ongoing uncertainty in the retail sector.

Many are now questioning what this means for the future of fashion retail in the country.


Ally Fashion, a household name since its inception in 2001, has been a go-to destination for women seeking to express their individuality through style.

The brand's commitment to releasing over 50 new styles each week has made it a hub for fashion-forward Australians who dare to push the boundaries of conventional trends.

However, the recent wind-up order from the Federal Court due to insolvency issues has sent shockwaves through the industry.


1740972017160.png
Due to insolvency, the Federal Court shuts down major Australian fashion brand Ally Fashion. Credit: Facebook


The court's decision marks the end of an era for a brand that has been a staple in the wardrobes of many Australians for over two decades.

Jeff Marsden and Duncan Clubb from BDO Sydney oversee the liquidation of Ally Fashion.

This development is a significant blow to employees who face an uncertain future and loyal customers who have cherished the brand's unique offerings.


The collapse of Ally Fashion is part of a larger narrative affecting the Australian retail industry.

With the cost-of-living pressures and inflation hitting hard, businesses are struggling to stay afloat amidst a challenging economic climate.

Consumers are tightening their belts, leading to a decline in non-essential spending and an increase in insolvencies and administrations across various sectors.

This trend was previously highlighted by the plight of Mosaic Brands, the fashion empire behind popular labels such as Autograph, Noni B, Katies, Millers, and Rivers.

The company's entry into voluntary administration on 28 October was a precursor to closing all 80 Katies stores, with additional closures expected across Millers, Rivers, and Noni B.


The fallout resulted in the loss of approximately 480 jobs, underscoring the harsh realities of the current retail environment.

As we witness the transformation of the Australian retail landscape, it's essential to consider the broader implications.

The fashion industry is not just about clothing; it's about the livelihoods of thousands of workers, our shopping districts' vibrancy, and our society's cultural fabric.

This may be a familiar story for our readers over 60, who have seen many brands come and go.

Yet, it's always disheartening to see a beloved brand disappear. It's a reminder of the importance of supporting local businesses and being mindful of where we spend our money.


In other news, Mosaic Brands, the parent company of several popular Australian fashion labels, has entered voluntary administration.

FTI Consulting and KPMG will oversee the restructuring process. You can read more about it here.


Credit: YouTube

Key Takeaways
  • A major Australian fashion brand, Ally Fashion, with over 150 stores, has collapsed following a wind-up order from the Federal Court due to insolvency issues.
  • The brand's collapse is expected to impact more than 1,000 employees across New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, and the Northern Territory.
  • Liquidators Jeff Marsden and Duncan Clubb from BDO Sydney have been appointed to manage the affairs of Ally Fashion.
  • The Australian retail industry faces challenges with the current economic climate as consumer behaviour shifts and cost-of-living pressures lead to a rise in business insolvencies.
Have you shopped at their stores or have a favourite piece from their collection? How do you feel about the changing face of Australian retail? Your insights are valuable, and we look forward to hearing from you in the comments below.
 

Seniors Discount Club

Sponsored content

Info
Loading data . . .
With the economy the way it is at the moment, many people are certainly buying more from online Asian brands and outlets....you can not expect all of the clothing shops to sell enough clothing at inflated prices due to high wages , rent, electricity, shipping costs etc etc and survive here in our Country, when similar clothing items can be purchased a lot cheaper through these online Companies from Asia. Something has to give....it's sad to think that so many people will lose their employment because of this though. :unsure: :(
 
  • Love
Reactions: Sherril54
I am not surprised ..Fashion is the least of my worries people are struggling to put
Food on the Table and keep up with hefty bills so where has the everyday worker
Got the money to buy the latest fashion.. it’s the employees I feel sorry for .
I have never bought the latest fashion but I do have to wear clothes if I am not to be arrested when I go shopping. Thus, Millers was a long-time go-to shop because of the good quality & low prices. However, in recent times, the quality has gone down so far that in the last 12 months I bought a pair of ladies slacks there & they only lasted 3 washes before the seams came apart. This is why people have stopped shopping at these stores.
 
I have made many purchases with Rivers Online store for many years I have never had anything go wrong I received everything I ordered. What I really liked about Rivers was the fact that I could order my size and know that it would always fit no matter what the article was it always was true to size, plus the quality of the clothing is fantastic.
I will greatly miss Rivers Online store, I feel for the many people who have lost their jobs with the collapse of the Mosaic Brands all the stores that are closed throwing many people out of work is very sad for them I have been through that so I know what it is like.
 
You're way behind the times! Every shop under Mosaic Brands wIll be closed by mid April and thousands of staff and hundreds of stores gone.

And we're still waiting for our entitlements but that's months away.

The bosses won't suffer though.
I agree with you about our entitlements. I've said it before and I'll say it again "with all these stores closing down I'll have to go around naked as they were my only wardrobe filler". Also, with Autumn upon us I'll be feeling rather cold. :unsure: 😰😂🤣
 
Sadly inevitable when too many people supported the cheap crap like Temu, Shein & now what are we left with?
I don't care about fashion but do care that so many Aussies are without jobs now as a result & the system (Centrelink, medical services, etc) cant support the huge numbers of recipients & those going without already! It's so sad to see the decline from what we once had & lost
I think you’ll find that Alley Fashion are probably made in the factory if not the sewing machine next to the Temu machinist who just happen to be next to the Shein ones. I don’t have a problem with this. I buy what I can afford and what I think looks good on me. People need to check out where Aust products are made and the Aust retail price of these goods to decide who may be the ones who deserve criticism.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Veggiepatch
Sorry to sound a bit cheeky ;), but haven't you noticed the Asian women are SMALLER endowed than us Australian counterparts. I do agree with you that Asian sizes are cut smaller than we USED to have when things were HOME GROWN - MADE.:unsure:
I do find with TEMU, sizes are pretty spot on.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Emz
Wow there were Millers, Rockmans, W.Lane and Katies in 1 of our shopping centres and Rivers, Millers and Rockmans in our other shopping centre. All but Millers is now out of the both shopping centres. This will make it feel a bit empty until they find other retailers to take their spaces
we've lost them too, and in Southern suburbs where I am Myer and TS left also. Too far to get to next Myer store. But it leaves not one plus size women's store. Big W , and K-mary big are few items, and Best and Less likewise. Dont know where I will go if I need anything now.
 
  • Sad
Reactions: magpie1
Get your priorities right.

The most important things in life are food, shelter and safety. Fashion comes way down the list, as it is a luxury, not a necessity. Check out Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs.

Until someone invents "edible clothing", fashion doesn't rate.
You mean as an addition to edible undies, available for decades already!
I'm lucky to be able to wear the same clothes for years (some 30+yrs) because my mother made them, my weight doesn't fluctuate much, and I hate shopping. I could claim a time record for food shopping.
 
I've never heard of an Ally store let alone shopped in one. The problem with most of these stores are that they only cater to thin people
 
  • Like
Reactions: relljube
Wow there were Millers, Rockmans, W.Lane and Katies in 1 of our shopping centres and Rivers, Millers and Rockmans in our other shopping centre. All but Millers is now out of the both shopping centres. This will make it feel a bit empty until they find other retailers to take their spaces
In most cases it is because the rents are sky-rocketing that these shops are all closing down. There will be no one taking over them in a long tetm capacity and it is going to affect cafes and downturn in the remaining shops. It is not going to be good and leaves little option for shopping especially for those that don't want to shop on line for cheap rubbish that literally comes from sweat shops. Very short sighted when you think about it.
Like we've said before it's the lack of manufacturing in Australia now and the sky-rocketing rents, haven't heard of ally's before but do miss rivers, only major labels we got left are Rockmans, My house and Chinese K-Mart, and yeah pop up shops. Don't trust on line.
 
Sorry to sound a bit cheeky ;), but haven't you noticed the Asian women are SMALLER endowed than us Australian counterparts. I do agree with you that Asian sizes are cut smaller than we USED to have when things were HOME GROWN - MADE.:unsure:
Of course we know they are smaller , nit stupid,however if they ask for measurements they should know to increase the bust size nit just width. Or don’t offer customisation.
As I said they advertise as US or Australian sites but then they have it made in China .
Parent company at fault
 
Of course we know they are smaller , nit stupid,however if they ask for measurements they should know to increase the bust size nit just width. Or don’t offer customisation.
As I said they advertise as US or Australian sites but then they have it made in China .
Parent company at fault
lol I’ve just received “free” bras. Size xxxl but they won’t fit a 12b so “free” I think they discovered a fault and have to clear them lol
 
Sure online shopping has taken a lot of sales away from the shops, but there is very little service in our shops today, staff are not trained in customer service. The rents are so high in these large shopping complexes, businesses can’t afford the rents, the prices go up and the quality goes down. I have purchased a couple of clothing items from Temu, I must say the quality and service has been very very good.
 
  • Like
Reactions: IAN3005
Sure online shopping has taken a lot of sales away from the shops, but there is very little service in our shops today, staff are not trained in customer service. The rents are so high in these large shopping complexes, businesses can’t afford the rents, the prices go up and the quality goes down. I have purchased a couple of clothing items from Temu, I must say the quality and service has been very very good.
Yes, rent and wages kill any business. There are shops in the centre near where I live that have been vacant for over a year.
The guy that ran a kiosk was paying $3,000 a month and it was about 1m x 4m. He was out of business in less than a year.
 

Join the conversation

News, deals, games, and bargains for Aussies over 60. From everyday expenses like groceries and eating out, to electronics, fashion and travel, the club is all about helping you make your money go further.

Seniors Discount Club

The SDC searches for the best deals, discounts, and bargains for Aussies over 60. From everyday expenses like groceries and eating out, to electronics, fashion and travel, the club is all about helping you make your money go further.
  1. New members
  2. Jokes & fun
  3. Photography
  4. Nostalgia / Yesterday's Australia
  5. Food and Lifestyle
  6. Money Saving Hacks
  7. Offtopic / Everything else
  • We believe that retirement should be a time to relax and enjoy life, not worry about money. That's why we're here to help our members make the most of their retirement years. If you're over 60 and looking for ways to save money, connect with others, and have a laugh, we’d love to have you aboard.
  • Advertise with us

User Menu

Enjoyed Reading our Story?

  • Share this forum to your loved ones.
Change Weather Postcode×
Change Petrol Postcode×