Another pillar of Australian retail is set to vanish from high streets, with the historic fashion label Fletcher Jones confirming it will shut down all its stores and its online shop this month. The announcement marks the end of an era for a brand that dressed generations of Australians for nearly a century.
A Double Blow for Australian Fashion
The decision to wind down operations comes just one day after the contemporary fashion label Sass and Bide also confirmed its closure, delivering a significant double hit to the nation's retail landscape. Fletcher Jones, renowned for its quality business and casual wear for men and women, has been a fixture since the 1920s, ranking among Australia's longest-running clothing manufacturers.
The company stated on its website that it is "closing down all stores and online", with a final clearance sale now offering 30 per cent off all remaining stock. The brand's financial struggles are not new; it entered administration 15 years ago, leading to multiple store closures and deep staff cuts that began a slow decline.
A Century of Australian Style Comes to an End
The Fletcher Jones story began in 1924 when founder David Fletcher Jones started selling textiles in Warrnambool, Victoria. The business grew steadily, but a pivotal shift came in 1941 when Jones decided to focus exclusively on producing high-quality, ready-made trousers. This move propelled the brand's expansion through the 1930s and 1940s.
The company later constructed a distinctive factory in Warrnambool, which became a local landmark. That building still stands today, having been repurposed into a vintage marketplace. By the mid-1950s, the brand had successfully expanded its range to include both men's and women's clothing.
The Fletcher Jones business remained under family control until 1998, when it was sold. The current owner, Matthew Gowty, has confirmed intentions to sell the brand following the closure announcement. The official shutdown process is expected to be finalised by the end of January 2026.
What the Closure Means for Retail
The loss of Fletcher Jones, following hard on the heels of Sass and Bide, underscores the persistent challenges facing the traditional retail sector in Australia. It represents the fading of a home-grown, manufacturing-focused legacy brand that once symbolised reliable quality and classic style for many Australian families.
The closure of such an iconic name is more than just a business failure; it is the end of a tangible piece of Australian sartorial and industrial history, leaving a void for loyal customers and marking another step in the rapid transformation of how Australians shop.
