Australian homewares retailer Adairs has announced the end of its operations in New Zealand, with the brand set to depart next month.

The company has already turned off its New Zealand website, and all seven physical stores will now close in what the retailer described as a “difficult decision”.

“We want to sincerely thank our New Zealand team and customers for the loyalty and support you’ve shown Adairs over the years. Being part of your homes has meant so much to us,” an email to customers seen by Inside Retail said.

“The timings of store closures will vary – we encourage you to contact or look up your local store for trading hours.”

While customers can no longer make purchases through the Adairs New Zealand website, orders already placed will be fulfilled.

The company’s financial performance in its fiscal half-year told the story of a challenging time. After-tax profits fell by more than 30 per cent from the previous year. Adairs Group CEO Elle Roseby spoke of the need to “reposition and reset” the business.

The same earnings report detailed plans to open new stores in Australia.