The Australia-based womenswear retailer is closing 80% of their network of stores in the coming weeks, with all closures expected to be completed by the beginning of March.

The majority of stores closures will take place in New South Wales and Victoria and only 14 locations will continue to operate. A closing down sale has been announced in 42 stores. "It is not our intention to close further stores at this point in time”, the company stated.

The company employs around 800 workers Australia-wide and this restructure is expected to impact 530 employees. "While closing stores is a very difficult decision to make, our analysis has determined it is a necessary step in rebuilding the financial performance of the business and maximising the prospects of a successful sale or restructure", commented Brendan Richards from KPMG.

This announcement follows the voluntary administration of the womenswear chain back in November. At the time, Bardot's CEO Basil Artemides made references to the challenging Australia's retail market as a driver to the difficulties felt and notwithstanding. "Despite double-digit growth in online sales, and our highly successful expansion into the US and Europe, Bardot’s retail stores in Australia are competing in a highly cluttered, and increasingly discount-driven market", Artemides commented.

About Bardot

The womenswear brand was launched in 1996 by designer Carol Skoufis, who owns 100% of the company. From just five employees in the 90s, it grew into a successful company and back in 2004 it launched a children's line by the name of Bardot Junior.