In what might be the news our Pumpkin Patch faithfuls were fearing, receivers have announced that 27 Australian Pumpkin Patch stores will close.
The NZ based retailer has today confirmed that despite efforts to sell the failing brand, 27 Australian Pumpkin Patch stores will close and 145 employees will lose their jobs as a result of the collapse of the children’s wear retailer.
The stores to close before 15 November 2016 are:
- Belrose Clearance
- Bendigo
- Chatswood Chase
- Claremont
- Colonnades
- Docklands Clearance
- Dubbo
- Forest Hill Chase
- Frankston
- Indooroopilly
- Melton
- Mt Ommaney
- Nunawading Outlet
- Orange
- Rockingham
- Rundle Mall
- Shell Harbour NSW
- Shepparton
- Sunbury
- North Ryde
- Tuggerah
- Wagga Wagga
- Charlie & Me Booragoon
- Charlie & Me Carousel
- Charlie & Me Chatswood Chase
- Logan
- Northlakes
As Mum Central wrote last week, Pumpkin Patch’s demise was (as described by them) the result of a “highly competitive and challenging” apparel market, falling sales, a decline in its international wholesale business and northern hemisphere online business, and the rise of the New Zealand dollar against the Australian dollar.
Some Mum Central readers also commented on our initial news story that they felt the clothes had lost the appeal of earlier years and that they were no longer price competitive with other retailers. Many others however were disappointed at the store’s voluntary receivership and cited it as the end of an era in how they had dressed their children.
Holding onto a Gift Card?
If you have a Pumpkin Patch or Charlie and Me gift card, we would encourage you to spend it ASAP. Only 50% of the sale value can be paid for by gift card so do the maths and use them quickly as often gift cards are the first thing to be stopped by receivers.
Bargains Galore at Closing Stores
One of our readers who works at Pumpkin Patch has announced that closing stores have all stock at 50% off RRP starting tomorrow so head on over and shop up a storm on such great quality clothing at amazing value!
At the end of the day it’s such a horrible situation for any retailer to be in, and especially so one that we know sits at the hearts of so many of our readers.
So what can you do?
Show your support and shop in-store or online – and not only will your kids be thankful but you’ll get yourself a great buy or three and maybe even help to secure the future of this iconic brand.