Practice English with NewsPractice with News
Business249 words2 min read

Australia's Oldest Department Store David Jones Goes Into Receivership

0:00 / 0:00

Listen to the story

David Jones, Australia's oldest department store, has gone into receivership after 188 years of operation.

Receivership is a legal process that occurs when a company is unable to meet its financial obligations. In such cases, receivers are appointed to take control and manage the company's affairs.

Despite the announcement, the retailer's 38 physical stores and its online platform will continue to operate as the receivers carry out a review of the business.

The review is expected to examine the company's overall operations, though no further details have been released about what this process will involve or how long it might take.

David Jones has long held a significant place in Australian retail history, having been established nearly two centuries ago and earning its reputation as the country's oldest department store.

The decision to place the brand into receivership marks a notable moment for a company with such a long-standing presence in Australia's retail sector.

For now, the continued operation of all 38 stores and the website suggests that the receivers intend to maintain normal business activity while they assess the company's situation.

It remains unclear what conclusions the receivers will reach or what changes, if any, might follow once their review is complete.

Customers and employees are expected to see no immediate disruption, as the stores and online site remain accessible to the public during this period.

Further updates are likely to follow once the receivers have completed their assessment of David Jones's financial and operational position.

Vocabulary7 words

department store
a large shop that sells many different kinds of goods
receivership
a legal situation where managers are appointed to run a company with serious debt problems
receivers
people legally appointed to control and manage a struggling company
physical stores
shops with a real, walk-in location, not online
operations
the regular business activities a company carries out
brand
the name and identity by which a company is known
retailer
a business that sells goods directly to customers

๐Ÿ“š Ready to use these words in a real conversation?

Practice live with a real tutor on Preply.

Quiz

1. What legal process has David Jones entered after 188 years?
2. According to the article, what will happen to the 38 physical stores and online site?
3. True or False: The article states exactly what the receivers' review will conclude.

โœ… Nice work on the quiz!

Keep the momentum going โ€” book a live English lesson with a Preply tutor.

Preply โ€” learn a language with a live tutor

๐ŸŽ“ Enjoyed this story?

Turn today's reading into real speaking practice with a live Preply tutor.

Preply โ€” learn a language with a live tutor

More Business stories

Next story ยท Difficult

Bulls vs. Knicks: How to Watch Wednesday's NBA Game

โ†’