Popular Australian fashion label Shona Joy is shutting down, with founder Shona Thatcher informing staff of the decision on Monday.
Thatcher said she wanted to prioritise spending time with her young family, meaning she would step back from the business.
“I’ve done extremely well, and I’m proud of what we’ve built over the past 26 years. The business has grown so much, and I can’t manage being a mum as well,” she told the AFR.
Here’s what you need to know.
Background
Shona Joy is a premium Australian womenswear label founded by designer Shona Joy Thatcher.
The brand launched in 2000, with Thatcher selling her designs at the Bondi Beach and Paddington markets.
It’s known for its relaxed, feminine and bohemian style, including dresses designed for special occasions, weddings and holidays.
Over the past 26 years, the label has expanded from market stalls to international retailers, including David Jones, Harrods and Bloomingdale’s.
Closure
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On Monday, Thatcher told staff that the brand would be closing down.
She told the AFR the decision was driven by her desire to prioritise her family, rather than financial difficulties at the business.
Thatcher said commuting between Byron Bay, where she lives, and Sydney, where the business is headquartered, had taken too much time away from her and her children.
She also said she had been considering closing the brand for the past four years.
“It’s an emotional decision. But I have to do this. It’s the hardest decision I have ever had to make," Shona Joy founder Shona Thatcher told the AFR.
What’s next
Shona Joy’s online store will continue selling stock until January 2027, as the business winds down.
The closure will affect 33 employees, who will receive their entitlements, including redundancy and long service leave.
Thatcher said she considered selling the business but couldn’t find a suitable buyer, and will retain the brand’s intellectual property.
The brand’s closure comes after 26 years in business, with its designs sold internationally through major retailers.
