An iconic store on life support: DJs gets more time, but no more money

April 28, 2026 — 4:00pm

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Talk about corporate cliffhangers! There is really no other store like David Jones – at least when it comes to its ability to remain on commercial life support.

At the 11th hour, it has reportedly signed with lenders Gordon Brothers to refinance a $150 million to $190 million facility, which will give it access to an extension of time but not additional funds.

This may be little more than an exercise in kicking the can down the road, but it will be a much-needed reprieve.

There is no hint about the length of the lender’s extension or what additional or more stringent conditions (or covenants) may have been included in the deal. David Jones didn’t even return calls to confirm what looks to be a positive development.

David Jones has a historic and iconic place in the history of Australian retailing, but like many of its kind around the world, it has been in structural decline for........

© The Age