Retailer General Pants shuts down primary branch in Sydney's central business district
General Pants Co, a well-known Australian fashion retailer, is currently grappling with financial difficulties, including an insolvency claim, legal actions, and unpaid debts.
The company, which operates around 50 stores across Australia and New Zealand, was issued an insolvency claim by distributor UCC Australia for an unpaid amount of $69,835.92. This claim, issued on July 17, 2025, has since been settled [1].
Furthermore, documents reveal that General Pants Co was subject to a winding-up order application filed on July 23, 2025, managed by Gladwin Legal, indicating increasing creditor pressure to force the company into liquidation over unpaid debts [4]. A hearing for this matter is scheduled for August 20, 2025, in Victoria's Supreme Court [3].
Suppliers have reported payment delays and mounting unpaid invoices, impacting their livelihoods [2]. These financial difficulties are not isolated to General Pants Co; the retailer is part of Alquemie Group, which has faced similar challenges with other retailers like SurfStitch earlier this year [2].
The retail sector is experiencing a crisis, with numerous fashion retailers collapsing recently. Women's retailers Ally Fashion, Collette, JeansWest, footwear giant Wittner, and activewear company Exoticathletica have all recently collapsed. Additionally, Country Road Group has closed several stores due to plummeting sales.
This crisis in the retail industry is not limited to local brands. Hundreds of stores from chains like Rivers, Katies, Noni B, and Millers have closed due to cuts by parent company Mosaic Brands.
The rapid growth of online platforms Shein and Temu is posing a threat to major department stores. As consumers seek better value during tough economic times, they are shifting part of their spending to these platforms, contributing to over 3.8 million Australians shopping on Temu and around 2 million on Shein within a 12-month period, generating more than AU$2 billion in sales within Australia [5].
Thousands of jobs have been axed as a result of the impact on the retail industry. Despite these challenges, General Pants Co is reviewing its store portfolio, with new stores set to open in the coming months.
Founded in 1972, General Pants Co has been an Australian fashion staple for over half a century. The company's current struggles serve as a reminder of the challenges faced by the retail industry in the digital age.
[1] Insolvency claim against General Pants Co settled [2] General Pants Co faces insolvency claims and supplier legal actions [3] Winding-up order hearing for General Pants Co scheduled [4] Documents reveal winding-up order application for General Pants Co [5] Shein and Temu threaten major department stores as Australians seek value
- In light of the recent financial difficulties faced by General Pants Co, the retail industry is undergoing turbulent times, with numerous fashion retailers experiencing financial struggles.
- The insolvency claim against General Pants Co, amounting to $69,835.92, issued by distributor UCC Australia, is not an isolated incident; other retailers within the Alquemie Group have also faced similar challenges.
- The ongoing legal battles and unpaid debts facing General Pants Co highlight the impact of digital platforms like Shein and Temu, which are posing a significant threat to traditional brick-and-mortar retailers.
