Country Road Shuts Doors as Fashion Landscape Shifts
Hey everyone, have you heard the news? Country Road, one of Australia’s most iconic lifestyle brands, is closing several of its Sydney stores. For those of us who grew up with the clean, elegant style of Country Road, this feels like the end of an era. Founded in 1974, Country Road was once a pioneer — not only in Aussie fashion but also as one of the first local brands to venture into the U.S. market. But now, times are changing fast, and not even brands with deep roots are safe.
One of the major closures includes their store at the Queen Victoria Building’s Market Street entrance, a spot many of us walked by countless times. Another closure comes from their sister brand, Trenery, which has shut its doors on Military Road in Mosman. And although the large Country Road shop at 742 Military Road is technically just “under renovation,” it’s clear the brand is reevaluating its entire physical presence. Even their Pitt Street Mall flagship is expected to close once the lease wraps up around 2028.
Also Read:- Jannik Sinner Dethrones Alcaraz to Claim First Wimbledon Crown in Historic Victory
- XRP Rockets Past $2.90 as Whales and ETFs Fuel Frenzy
The reason? It all comes down to changing lifestyles. With hybrid working now deeply embedded in Australian work culture, the demand for office-ready fashion—think blazers, suits, and formal wear—has dropped significantly. People just aren’t dressing the same way anymore, and that’s hit brands like Country Road hard.
Their parent company, Woolworths Holdings of South Africa, recently reported an 8% drop in sales and a staggering 72% plunge in operating profit — down to just $14.2 million over six months. These numbers paint a clear picture: the old formula no longer works. It’s not just a fashion issue, it’s a retail reality check.
On a related note, another Sydney institution, the Pickled Possum bar in Neutral Bay, is also closing its doors. For over 40 years, it was a late-night legend — known for sticky carpets, drinks served from eskies, and unexpected celebrity drop-ins like Chris Hemsworth and Hugh Jackman. The site is now up for sale and could be redeveloped, though its operator is still hoping to keep the spirit of the Possum alive.
Yet, while some doors close, others open. Luxury giant Chanel has just launched a new two-story boutique in Westfield Sydney's Market Street mall. Designed by famed architect Peter Marino, it features everything from ready-to-wear to watches and fine jewellery. It’s part of a $360 million luxury retail and residential development — a clear sign that high-end retail is still thriving, even as mid-market brands like Country Road struggle.
So, we’re watching a retail reshuffle in real-time. As our habits evolve — from how we work to how we dress — the business landscape must adapt or be left behind. And while it’s tough to say goodbye to familiar brands and places, it’s also a chance to see what comes next in Australia’s ever-changing retail world.
Read More:
0 Comments