FEBRUARY 5, 2020 \ STARWEEKLY.COM.AU
Dimmeys jobs saved By Benjamin Millar Iconic retailer Dimmeys has scrambled back from the brink of collapse, shelving its plans to close all of its stores. The discount retailer, which has its headquarters in West Footscray and a store in Braybrook, announced late last year that it was closing down all 30 of its stores across Australia – about half of which are in Victoria. But an eleventh hour decision has saved jobs at about a dozen Victorian stores that will continue under new management. All 15 Dimmeys stores in Tasmania, New South Wales and Queensland still face closure, along with a handful of Victorian stores. “Discount legend Dimmeys has found a way back from the brink of closure,” the retailer announced on Facebook last week. “Due to a new management, Dimmeys can look forward to a long and fruitful future. With the new management we have managed to save the jobs throughout Victorian stores.” The retailer will be refining its operations, concentrating on basic low-cost products and returning to a look reflecting “the successful years”. Established in 1853 during the gold-rush boom, Dimmeys had recently expanded to new locations, including a store in Sunshine. The retailer bought out its Footscray rival Forges in 1978, trading as “Dimmeys & Forges” until the Footscray site was sold off to developers in 2009 and the Forges name was dropped from the business. Dimmeys collapsed in 2014 and was sold to Cool Breeze Clothing following a series of product safety breaches that led to a $3 million penalty relating to the sale of children’s toys and garments. The retailer was also prohibited from selling items that require warnings or high safety standards for the past six years. The management restructure brings the return of operations to the control of part-owner Doug Zappelli, who was banned from managing a corporation for six years because of the safety breaches. The retailer will continue to run its operations from its headquarters on Sunshine Road in West Footscray. A tough economic environment has seen a number of long-standing Australian retailers go to the wall in recent months, including Harris Scarfe and Jeanswest, while German supermarket giant Kaufland has abandoned its advanced plans to enter the Australian market.
Furr friends on parade Fashionable frollicking and fabulous fun will abound when furry friends in fancy dress strut their stuff during the Yarraville Festival Annual Pet Parade. The parade, featuring both fancy dress and dazzling dog tricks, is a perennial highlight of the Yarraville Festival, a showcase of local art, music and wares that has been running since 1981 and attracts close to 30,000 each year. Yarraville Traders Association president Carla Smith said there will be a wide range of entertainment for all ages, featuring Footscray-Yarraville City Brass Band, St Nicholas Greek School Dance Troupe and a jive dance performance by Swing Patrol. “With four stages of acts, it’s going to be the best yet. We’ve got well-known musicians, including Debra La Velle, international act Brixton Alley and local legends Hollow December, as well as a diverse multicultural mix of musical styles from hip-hop to hillbilly folk,” she said. “It’s going to be a packed day of entertainment.” Other highlights include a petting zoo, book readings, rides and a tantalising array of local food and drinks. The 2020 Yarraville Festival will be held 9am-7pm Sunday, February 16 in the Yarraville village precinct. Details: yarravillefestival.com.au Benjamin Millar
Vet nurse Steph Penford with Henry, a nine-year-old Bichon Frise. (Joe Mastroianni ) 203233_06 ■ Kaufland
exit: Page 3
SEE IT, SNAP IT, SEND IT... Send through your videos and pics on news or community events Follow us on Facebook k 12437185-SN04-20
& Instagram m