Betts shoe stores enters voluntary administration, announces closure of 20 locations
Updated ,first published
Betts, one of Australia’s oldest footwear retailers, has called in administrators and will close more than half of its stores as it carries out a massive sale to clear remaining stock before switching to an online-only operation.
The 134-year-old family-owned retailer, which has about 220 stores across the country, will close 20 of its remaining 35 stores within the next two months after a rebrand last year focusing on women’s shoes failed to revive its fortunes.
More than 120,000 pairs of shoes and accessories will be heavily discounted as executives at Pitcher Partners evaluate business during this period.
“Australians have grown up with Betts shoes, they know and love the brand and we believe it has a strong presence as a more modern operation,” said manager Lindsay Bainbridge.
But declining foot traffic in malls was not sustainable for the business, so managers will close poorly performing stores to focus on stronger ones and the company’s website.
“Our goal is to make sure we can grow sales and stimulate interest in a brand that is in almost every Australian’s story,” he said.
“Betts has been an essential product for 134 years and we want an outcome that will enable the brand to thrive for many years to come.”
A number of well-known Australian retail brands have collapsed in the last 18 months, including Lincraft, Barbeques Galore, Rivers, Noni B and Millers. The industry has been hit by the rise of online shopping giants like Amazon and smaller rivals without expensive retail stores.
Sales at Betts will begin on Friday and will focus on selling this season’s boots, shoes, bags and accessories. Coming summer stocks will decrease every week. Bainbridge said the best deals will be found at stores that will close.
Of the 20 stores to close, four are in NSW, four in Victoria, three in South Australia, seven in Western Australia and Queensland and Darwin have one store each. These stores will continue trading for up to two months with discounts starting from 50 percent. Its flagship stores in Sydney and Melbourne will remain open.
Betts embarked on a major rebrand in late 2025, bringing on entrepreneur and Frank Body founder Jessica Hatzis as chief marketing officer and shifting away from children’s and men’s shoes to focus solely on shoes and accessories for women.
Founded in 1892 by Fanny Breckler, the shoe retailer started as a betting shop in Perth. The company, which remains a fifth-generation family business, has been led by managing director Michael Breckler for the last two years.
The rebranding has gained momentum and increased sales online and in-store, but rising rents and a downturn in consumer spending are putting pressure on cash flow, Breckler said.
“We are out of time to execute the restructuring strategy entirely on our own,” he said in a statement.
“Closing stores is always difficult, but we have seen clearly for a number of years that some retail environments are simply not suitable and the move to online shopping has led to this decision.”
The Business Briefing newsletter delivers big stories, exclusive news and expert insights. Sign up to receive it every weekday morning.
Jessica Yun is a business reporter covering retail and food for The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age.Connect with: X or email.
