Could this be the end of Australian Barbeques (Galore)?
Last Thursday Barbeques Galore sadly announced that they have entered voluntary administration. The financial collapse sadly is just another casualty in the ongoing cost of living crisis and growing inflation the world is experiencing. The Aussie outdoor retailer currently has 68 company-owned stores across the country, however thankfully 27 franchisee operated stores will be spared and unaffected by the voluntary administration.
Barbeques Galore had been experiencing liquidity issues and had been acquired but a US private equity firm but it appears nothing was able to save the Aussie retailer. A debate has begun online as to how this may have happened, many are citing that Australian cities are focusing more on building apartments or tiny homes with inadequate outdoor spaces.
“The voluntary administration of Barbeques Galore is a sign of just how tight things have become for working Australians… You can’t separate what’s happening in retail from the broader issue of wages not keeping up with the cost of living. While wages have grown, they’re still lagging behind the cost of living… When wages aren’t keeping up, discretionary spending is the first thing to go and retail workers are the ones who pay the price.” – Gerard Sawyer, Distributive and Allied Employees’ Association National Secretary
Sadly this news now means more than 500 staff members are now stuck in purgatory as they wait to hear what happens to their jobs. Things aren’t looking great for the retailer and it’s 68 company-owned stores across the country, but I’m sure those working in the 27 franchisee operated stores that will be unaffected by the voluntary administration are breathing a sigh of relief.
