Myer axes management jobs at Apparel Brands in a bid to simplify operations, ‘reduce duplication’
Myer claims it is simplifying middle management by cutting senior positions at the portfolio of clothing brands it acquired from Solomon Lew’s Premier Investments.
As part of cost-cutting efforts, Myer will swing the axe on about 40 roles in the retail operations team at Just Jeans, Portmans, Dotti, Jay Jays and Jacqui E — collectively known as Apparel Brands — across Australia and New Zealand.
It’s understood staff were told of the changes on Tuesday. Myer said it would look to redeploy impacted team members across the group.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.Under the changes, each State will now have a general manager where previously all national sales manager were based in Victoria. The State general managers will report to the group head of Apparel Brands.
A Myer spokesman said the move would simplify the network and reduce duplication as it integrated Apparel Brands, which was purchased from Premier Investments in a near-$1 billion deal last January.
The job cuts are estimated to save Myer between $5 million and $7m in costs.
“Management of the Apparel Brands store network will be state based rather than by brand and is how many retailers globally manage their store fleet,” the Myer spokesman said.
“The new retail operations structure will mean managers will have responsibility and oversight of all Myer Apparel Brands in a set region, reducing the requirement for travel and while ensuring an improved focus on sales, growth and team capability.”
Myer boss Olivia Wirth is hoping to execute a turnaround plan for the 126-year-old department store.
It is in the midst of overhauling the fashion department at all its stores to entice younger consumers and turnaround its reputation of being a retailer that only caters to older shoppers.
Myer has already launched popular clothing labels like Lioness, Tigerlilly, JAG and Sportscraft, as well as 22 new beauty brands, including most recently pop star Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty.
It is also rolling out its refreshed portfolio of exclusive brands — BLAQ, ThereAfter, Basque, Regatta and Grab — and launching British clothing giant Topshop next month.
