David Jones failed to pay rent for Westfield stores, landlord says

As of November 5, 2026, David Jones, Australia's oldest department store chain with a history spanning 188 years, has entered voluntary administration. The move follows years of financial struggles, including steep losses and weak consumer spending that pushed the retailer to the brink after failing to reach an agreement for rent concessions or funding from its primary landlord, Westfield (owned by Scentre Group). Administrators McGrathNicol have taken control of the company, and it is expected that thousands of jobs are at risk. The retail giant has 38 stores across Australia, and analysts predict potential closures of underperforming suburban locations. Suppliers are racing to retrieve their stock and recover outstanding payments from David Jones, which had not paid rent since September, putting them in breach of contracts with Scentre Group.