The Sussan Group has confirmed a major shake-up ahead for one of its brands, with a raft of stores likely to close.
The Sussan Group, parent company of brands Sportsgirl, Sussan and Suzanne Grae, has revealed a proposal to slash Suzanne Grae's New Zealand operations, following lacklustre results.
The company aims to progressively close Suzanne Grae's New Zealand stores over an 11 month period starting in March 2013, with the process to be completed by January 2014.
Commenting on the proposal to pull out of the New Zealand market, Suzanne Grae CEO Carole Molyneux said it was “the last resort following a thorough review of the business in New Zealand”.
“Suzanne Grae has operated in New Zealand since 2006, but despite our best efforts to meet local customer requirements on range, price and service, we have not been able to establish a sustainable business,” she said.
“We are proposing to progressively close the stores over an 11 month period to give staff and customers as much time as possible to manage the change."
Molyneux added that consultation has commenced with staff to gain their views and input on the proposed closures.
She said a final decision will depend on the outcome of the employee consultation process, but that staff members will be entitled to all conditions under their employment contracts should the company decide to close the stores.
Suzanne Grae operates 19 stores throughout New Zealand employing around 100 people.