# Potential lifeline for David Jones as billionaires eye bargain buy out – as analysts name the chains that could move in when its Westfield stores close

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/potential-lifeline-for-david-jones-as-billionaires-eye-bargain-buy-out-as-analysts-name-the-chains-that-could-move-in-when-its-westfield-stores-close/
- Published: 2026-11-15T21:53:36+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-15T22:03:34+00:00
- Original publisher: Daily Mail (publisher lean: Right)
- Original article: https://www.dailymail.com/news/article-16294785/david-jones-lifeline.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490
- Topics: World

## Key points

- David Jones is in administration after failing to pay rent.
- About 6,000 jobs are in doubt.
- Potential buyers and replacement retailers are being discussed.

## Summary

David Jones’s future is uncertain after it entered voluntary administration and receivership following a failure to pay rent to Westfield owner Scentre Group. Although reported interest from potential buyers offers a possible lifeline, analysts say the retailer’s financial difficulties and long search for a buyer make a sale far from certain; the situation also puts about 6,000 staff in doubt.

A reported list of 30 interested parties includes Solomon Lew, Brett Blundy, Mike Ashley’s Frasers Group and a consortium led by former Myer chair Bill Wavish. Analysts say retailers including Kmart, Aldi, Uniqlo and Chemist Warehouse could take over space if David Jones stores close, with landlords expected to benefit over time from higher rents. Founded in Sydney in 1838, the chain was bought for about $2.1 billion in 2014 and sold to Anchorage Capital Partners for $100 million in 2023.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.