The Identity women’s clothing chain, which has 15 stores around the country, including Dunedin, has been put into receivership.
It is operated by Winters Fashions, a company directed by David, Martyn and Pauline Winter.
The business and the company’s assets are now in control of receivers William Black and Kare Johnstone.
Receiver, William Black, says the receivers intend to work with stakeholders, management and staff to stabilise operations.
Forthwith, a thorough assessment of the company’s financial position will be carried out and the business will be prepared for sale.
In the meantime, stores will continue to trade.
The receivers have not responded to questions about many people work for the company, nor the identity of the creditor who appointed them, or how much they are owed.
Identity was started in 1985 and its website claims it has since “grown to become one of the leading fashion retailers in New Zealand”. It stocks products at a range of price points, its website advertises jackets for more than $500, and its aim was to supply the finest fashion labels for women. Its stock includes Verge, Identity, Gabriella, Fifilles, Democracy, Macjays, Vasalli, Giulliana, Threadz, S-Twelve, Privilege, Faye, Libertine, Cristina, Kalypso, Silver Lining, Archer House, Catalyst, Blackstone, and Snapshot.
There are seven stores in Auckland, two in Hamilton, and one each in Lower Hutt, Palmerston North, Tauranga, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin.
