Kimberleys Fashion in receivership after decades in business

Thursday, 5 October 2017

Kimberleys Wellington store was busy on Thursday despite the chain's struggle.

Fashion retailer Kimberleys has gone into receivership after 34 years in business.

Receivers Andrew Grace and Colin Gower from BDO Christchurch were appointed on Monday.

Kimberleys fashion has gone into receivership.

There are nine stores around the country, including an outlet store. There are four stores in Christchurch, two in Auckland, and one in Wellington, Nelson and Dunedin.

Retail First managing director Chris Wilkinson said the Kimberleys chain began in Christchurch and was one of New Zealand's most successful fashion retailers.

'The stores are well located, their online representation has been good, this simply seems to be a sad situation where sales have not kept pace with costs, which is a situation challenging many retailers,' he said.

'Our hope would be that some of the chain remains as stores such as Kimberleys add a necessary diversity to New Zealand's retail landscape.'

Director John McLaughlan and the receivers have been approached for comment.

Signs of the company's hardship did not show in Wellington's Willis St store on Thursday, where more than 20 customers roamed the clothing racks.

Kimberleys started as a stockist of local labels and began manufacturing its own knitwear in 1983.

There are currently four in-house labels and a range of international collections.