Australian footwear institution Wittner has entered administration, becoming the latest casualty in a turbulent retail landscape. The 113-year-old company — one of the nation’s oldest surviving footwear retailers — is now being managed by administrators from Deloitte, who are urgently assessing its finances and options for a possible sale or recapitalisation.
The collapse of Wittner follows a string of retail failures including Jeanswest and several brands owned by Mosaic Brands such as Katies, Rivers, and Noni B, signalling an increasingly fraught environment for fashion and footwear chains in Australia. Together, these insolvencies have already led to thousands of job losses nationwide.
45 Stores at Risk, Jobs Uncertain
Wittner currently operates 20 standalone stores across the country and maintains 25 concessions within major department stores, including Myer and David Jones. While the precise number of staff affected has not been disclosed, the Retail and Fast Food Workers Union (RAFFWU) says it represents a small cohort of Wittner workers and has also supported members at other recently collapsed chains.
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Online Sales Not Enough
Despite growth in online sales, Wittner’s management cited the combined impact of rising wages, occupancy costs, and continued supply chain disruptions as key reasons for the company’s financial difficulties.
“The growth in sales has been eroded by cost pressures… and more recently, challenging trading conditions,” the company said in a statement released shortly after the announcement.
This sentiment echoes the challenges faced by numerous mid-sized Australian retailers, caught between higher operational costs and the changing habits of post-pandemic shoppers.
Stores to Continue Trading During Administration
Deloitte administrator Sal Algeri reassured employees and customers that Wittner stores will remain open and trading as usual during the administration period.
“We understand the appointment of administrators will be particularly concerning to Wittner’s employees,” said Algeri.
“Please be assured that trade will continue on a business-as-usual basis as we conduct an urgent review of the group’s finances and seek expressions of interest from parties interested in the sale or recapitalisation of this iconic Australian brand.”
Expressions of interest (EOIs) for potential buyers are expected to open shortly, with the hope that the brand — which carries significant heritage value — can be rescued by new investment.
A Legacy Under Threat
Founded in 1912 as a mail-order footwear business, Wittner grew into a mainstay of Australian retail fashion, known for stylish yet accessible shoes, often occupying premium locations in shopping centres and high streets.
Over more than a century, it evolved through generational ownership and weathered major retail shifts — from the rise of malls to the boom in online shopping. The company has long positioned itself at the intersection of comfort and fashion, with a customer base spanning multiple demographics.
However, in recent years, Wittner faced increased competition from fast fashion, global brands entering the local market, and the dominance of online marketplaces.
Broader Retail Crisis in Australia
Wittner’s financial struggles are part of a broader crisis in the Australian retail sector. Several iconic brands have faced administration or store closures since 2020. Many cite a perfect storm of inflation-driven cost pressures, interest rate rises, dampened consumer spending, and COVID-19 aftershocks.
RAFFWU and other industry observers have warned that unless structural changes are made to better support retailers and their workers — including rent reform and supply chain stability — more closures may follow.
What Happens Next?
For now, the future of Wittner remains uncertain. Administrators will likely explore the following options:
- Sale of the business to a new investor or retail group
- Restructuring, potentially involving store closures and job losses
- Recapitalisation, if existing stakeholders can inject new funds
Deloitte has not provided a timeline for the completion of their review but is expected to give an update on progress within weeks.
How to Get Help
Wittner staff concerned about their entitlements or the administration process can reach out to:
- Deloitte restructuring team via official company communications
- Retail and Fast Food Workers Union (RAFFWU) for workplace rights support
- Fair Work Ombudsman for information on redundancy and employment obligations
