David Jones to close three food stores in Australia following COVID-19

David Jones will close three food stores in Victoria as the retailer re-gears the business towards its online offering in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Following the “significant impact” on Melbourne’s CBD, the David Jones Food Hall in the Bourke St Mall will close next month as the brand exits the building in April 2022.

David Jones’ food stores at Capitol Grand in Victoria and Malvern Central will also close in April and May, respectively.

The retailer’s current food offering at Elizabeth Street and Bondi Junction in NSW will continue to operate.

David Jones CEO Scott Fyfe said a review of the group’s food offering found an uncertain future for some stores.

“A recent review of our Food business has helped us identify a number of structural changes we need to make to ensure the ongoing success and profitability of this offering,” Mr Fyfe said.

“Above all, we are committed to the ongoing delivery of the most iconic elements of our Food offering both instore and online.

“We look forward to continuing to share our much-loved David Jones Food range with customers across Australia and New Zealand, and to delivering a world-class instore experience at our Elizabeth Street and Bondi Junction Food Halls.”

Staff members impacted by the closures will be redeployed across the business where possible.

David Jones also said its pilot partnership with BP – where its food offering is located inside 35 service stations across NSW and Victoria – will continue.