Wirth has made a number of changes at the department store since she began in the role of chief executive and executive chair in early June last year, including reshuffling the leadership ranks and restructuring internal departments.
Under her direction, the business has completed a strategic review. Wirth is looking to “rethink the apparel offering” and strengthen its online experience and beauty offerings to attract younger customers.
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The company has completed its acquisition of five of Premier Investment’s brands, which are Jay Jays, Dotti, Portmans, Just Jeans and Jacqui E. Wirth is eager to integrate Myer’s loyalty program, Myer One, in the youth and women’s brands to fold new younger customers into the scheme. Myer’s loyalty members are responsible for four in five sales.
Its underperforming exclusive brands Sass & Bide, Marcs and David Lawrence are also being restructured and Myer is seeking an executive who will be responsible for the brands. Support and head office roles will be consolidated, which will result in roles relocated to Melbourne or job losses.
The sass & bide boutique at Pacific Fair that has since shut down: Myer has shut 10 sass & bide stores.
“We’re just working through that at the moment, so we don’t yet have a number on it,” Wirth said of the number of jobs lost.
Overall group sales were basically flat, eking out 0.8 per cent growth, affected by the closure of Brisbane and Werribee stores and 10 sass & bide stores.
Online sales grew 4.8 per cent, and active customers have lifted 6 per cent to 4.6 million.
The department store has also refinanced its debts and arranged a $150 million debt facility with the Commonwealth Bank and NAB.
