Well-known clothing and footwear retailer Rivers has announced the closure of all 136 of its remaining stores, including the five locations in Tasmania.
The decision comes after the failure of Mosaic Brands, Rivers’ parent company, to find a new buyer during the voluntary administration process that began last year.
As a result, around 650 employees across the country will lose their jobs and 136 stores will close, including those in Hobart, Glenorchy, Kings Meadows, Devonport and Burnie.
The company’s decision to wind down the Rivers brand has left store managers with heavy hearts.
“I am sad to announce that Mosaic Brand has decided to wind down its Rivers brand from the company after failing to find a buyer,” said Anthea, the store manager of the Burnie outlet posted to a local Facebook group.
“This will result in the closure of our Rivers Burnie store by mid-April,” she said.
Anthea thanked customers for their support since the company went into voluntary administration in October.
“I watched our Burnie store go from one of the lowest [in] profit to one of the highest in Tassie within the seven months I had the privilege to manage the store,” she said.
“That is all because of my amazingly resilient staff and loyal customers.”
The official closing date for each store will depend on stock levels.
Receivers from KPMG say they are still looking to sell the remaining Mosaic Brands including Millers and Noni B.
