Economic challenges have forced long-standing retailers to shut down operations in Shepparton, leaving some staff blindsided.
With years of service to Shepparton, Noni B, Katies, and Autograph stores will soon vanish from the local landscape.
For more than 35 years, Katies has been a familiar name in Shepparton, providing clothing to generations of residents.
However, the store’s closure, along with its counterparts Noni B and Autograph, marks the end of an era.
“We’re closing tomorrow (Saturday, May 20). So is Noni B and Autograph. We were notified about two weeks ago,” Shepparton Katie’s casual worker Caitlin McKay said.
Financial struggles appear to be the driving force behind the decision.
“Not enough money was coming in to pay for rent and to pay the employees,” Ms McKay said.
Speaking anonymously, another employee of Mosaic Brands, the parent company who owns the brands as well as Rockmans, Millers, Crossroads and Rivers outlets, expressed concerns over the impact on the local economy.
“It’s just more jobs being lost. More than anything, I feel bad for the stores inside the complex who will lose customers now that we’re closing,” they said.
“We were notified at the start of the month that at the end of the month we’d be closed and today (Friday, May 19) we came in and were told that it’s our last day and whatever we don’t sell we’ll need to box up.
“This is what happens when big multinationals come in. It’s not like we’re not making enough money; it’s just the (head office) is cheap.”
They also accused Mosaic Brands of a lack of professionalism and secrecy surrounding the closures.
“We’re not even allowed to tell our customers,” the employee said.
“We haven’t even changed our prices.
“Nobody can even get a good deal.”
The employee also had concerns for the future job prospects of their fellow employees.
They said Mosaic Brands mentioned the possibility of offering opportunities at other brands within their portfolio, which are still in operation, but the employee doubted that it would be feasible for all those affected by the closures.
“I don’t imagine they (Mosaic Brands) can re-employ everyone they’ve let go over the three stores,” the employee said.
Mosaic Brands didn’t respond to requests for comment.