The embattled Australian fashion group faces intensified disruption as dozens of positions remain vacant amid a wave of operational and cultural challenges.
Country Road Group, once hailed as a staple of premium Australian retail, is entering a period of pronounced instability. The company, whose portfolio includes Country Road, Mimco, Witchery, Politix, and Trenery, is dealing with more than 50 vacant roles at its Melbourne headquarters, drawing attention to deeper issues within the business .
An Expanding Vacancy Crisis
Latest reports confirm the mounting number of unfilled roles at Country Road Group’s support office—an issue intersecting with recent staff departures and internal restructuring. These vacancies are particularly notable as the group begins mass redundancies and attempts to reshape its business model against a backdrop of declining revenue and store closures .
Country Road Group spokesperson said: “From time to time, we review our retail store portfolio to ensure we’re continuing to meet the needs of our customers. We are committed to delivering great experiences throughout our networks and we are investing in our stores, with 10 new or refurbished stores opening by the end of the year.”
Declining Sales and Store Closures
The group’s operational struggles are starkly reflected in its financials:
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Sales fell 6.2% for the last half-year, with comparable store sales down 7.8% .
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Operating profit plunged nearly 72%, hitting $14.2 million.
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Fluctuating customer demand and increased competition are forcing the closure of flagship stores, including the Sydney Queen Victoria Building location, and major changes to their Pitt Street Mall store by 2028 .
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The company is currently engaging in a major business restructure, expected to result in mass staff layoffs and an overhaul of its operating model .
Cultural and Workplace Headwinds
Internal challenges compound the group’s troubles. Reports of sexual harassment, bullying, and workplace toxicity have surfaced over the past year, drawing scrutiny from both the industry and employees . Country Road Group has brought in a consulting firm to help address company culture and reportedly lost multiple key executives during the tumultuous period .
Structural Disconnection and Eroded Legacy
Analysts point to a disconnect from contemporary consumers, with iconic products losing their cachet and brand value eroded by quality compromises and the rise of sophisticated competitors . Meanwhile, the company faces lukewarm demand for mid-market premium basics as customers pivot to either value-driven fast fashion or top-tier luxury alternatives .
| Issue | Details |
|---|---|
| Vacant HQ Roles | Over 50 at Melbourne headquarters |
| Sales Decline | Down 6.2% (1H FY25); Operating profit down 71.7% |
| Store Closures | Multiple flagships shutting, others under review; Pitt Street Mall store due to close (2028) |
| Staff Redundancies | Ongoing mass layoffs amid company restructure |
| Workplace Issues | Cultural complaints, executive departures, hiring consultants to address environment |
| Ownership | Woolworths Holdings (South Africa) |
What’s Next?
Despite reassurances about ongoing investments and select new store openings, the company’s path forward remains fraught. Filling critical roles and stabilizing its troubled workplace will be pivotal if Country Road Group is to reclaim relevance and viability in Australia’s evolving retail landscape .
Fashion insiders and retail watchers will be tracking whether Country Road Group can reverse its declines—or if the growing list of unfilled positions symbolizes prolonged uncertainty for another former retail titan.
