Aussie Disposals enters administration, 11 stores to close

Australian camping store chain Aussie Disposals appointed voluntary administrators yesterday after bearing the brunt of shopper impacts from bushfires and the Covid-19 crisis.

A notice filed with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) shows the company appointed Melbourne-based administrators Magnetic Insolvency.

Peter Goodin of Magnetic Insolvency says 11 of Aussie Disposals' 36 stores in Victoria, NSW and South Australia are due to close in order to achieve a profitable model.

In a press release, Aussie Disposals managing director Mark Purvis explained the company had experienced many highs and lows as a family-owned retail organisation over the past 58 years.

"ln recent times the drought, bushfires and now the Coronavirus has taken a massive toll on the business leaving us no alternative but to place the business into Voluntary Administration," Purvis said.

"We are now working extremely hard with our banker's creditors and suppliers to secure a way forward."

He said the main focus now was to make sure all of Aussie Disposals' more than 120 staff are looked after in the best possible way, ensuring they receive their full entitlement regardless of the company's future.

"Aussie Disposals also has a very loyal large customer base with so many of them supporting our business over so many years. We would like to ensure them our service will continue as it always has and this is the time we need them the most," Purvis said.

"The Directors along with the Adm jnistrators have a strong business plan for the future and would hope all affected parties can see their way clear to support us in these most difficult times.

Initially published at 4:10pm AEST on 15 April 2020, and updated at 11:48am AEST on 16 April 2020.