It’s no secret that retail businesses across Sydney and the country are doing it tough, thanks to a challenging economic climate and the rise of online shopping (guilty). In 2025, a bunch of household names have closed physical stores across the country, from Rivers and Millers to Ally Fashion, Jeanswest and SurfStitch. Now, Country Road has joined the list. Founded in 1974, this beloved Aussie lifestyle brand is known for its farmhouse-chic vibes, comfy knits and those tote bags synonymous with the late 2000s, along with its sleek homewares sold under its sister brand Trenery.
Country Road currently has 653 stores across Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. But after a significant slump in sales, the lifestyle brand is preparing to close its first batch of stores, including a longstanding flagship store in Sydney’s CBD.
Why is Country Road shutting stores?
Sales across the Country Road portfolio declined by 6.2 per cent in the first half of the 2024-25 financial year, followed by a further 8 per cent drop in the 26 weeks to December 29. Meanwhile, operating profits also took a major hit, plummeting by a major 71.7 per cent to just $14.2 million.
Which Country Road stores are closing?
For now, Sydney is the only city impacted by the store closures. In an attempt to minimise costs, Country Road will close down one of its longstanding flagship stores inside the Queen Victoria Building in the CBD. Additionally, its Pitt Street Mall store is set to close in 2028 when the lease runs out. Finally, Country Road’s sister brand Trenery closed its Mosman store on Sydney’s Lower North Shore a few months ago.
That’s not to say it’s the end for Country Road. The popular Aussie brand actually plans to reopen its Mosman Country Road store in September after renovations, and it’s on track to open a new flagship store on Brisbane’s Queen Street in August and three new stores at Chatswood Chase in Sydney this October.