Glue Stores Closing Australia – All Stores to Close by 2026

Glue Store, a prominent Australian fashion retailer with decades of history, is set to close all its remaining stores by the end of the 2026 financial year. The closures come after parent company Accent Group determined that the remaining 16 locations were no longer profitable, marking the end of a gradual decline that saw the chain shrink from more than 30 outlets to a fraction of its former size.

Accent Group acquired Glue Store in 2021 as part of its strategy to expand its fashion retail portfolio, which includes brands such as Dr. Martens, The Athlete’s Foot, and Platypus. Despite initial expectations that the remaining stores could operate profitably, financial results told a different story. The company has already begun advertising closing down sales both online and in physical stores, signaling the beginning of the final chapter for the once-thriving retailer.

The decision reflects broader challenges facing mid-tier fashion retailers in Australia, where shifting consumer habits and rising operational costs have squeezed margins across the sector. Accent Group has indicated it will either wind down or sell the Glue Store business as it pivots toward brands demonstrating stronger performance within its portfolio.

Why Are Glue Stores Closing in Australia?

The closure of Glue Store stems from persistent unprofitability that Accent Group could no longer sustain. Despite implementing significant cuts over three years, including 17 store closures in 2024 alone, the remaining locations failed to generate adequate returns. The financial strain culminated in an EBIT loss of $8.4 million during the first half of the 2026 financial year, a figure that includes provisions for the closure costs themselves.

Accent Group’s leadership determined that continuing to operate Glue Store was incompatible with their broader business objectives. Rather than invest further in turning around an underperforming brand, the company chose to redirect resources toward its stronger performers. In the preceding six months alone, Accent Group opened 27 new stores across its network of 898 locations, demonstrating where its priorities lie.

• Accent Group acquired Glue Store in 2021 as part of a portfolio expansion strategy
• The chain operated over 30 stores at its peak before the rationalization began
• Store numbers were roughly halved within three years of acquisition
• 17 stores closed in 2024 before the final decision to shutter all locations
• The remaining 16 stores were deemed unprofitable despite earlier projections
• Closing down sales are now active both in-store and online

Which Glue Stores Are Closing and Where?

While it is established that 16 stores remain operational before the final closure, the specific locations and addresses of these outlets have not been publicly detailed in available sources. The earlier wave of closures in 2024 included 17 stores, but no comprehensive inventory with addresses has been provided by Accent Group.

Customers interested in visiting their local Glue Store before closure may find that stores are progressively reducing their stock as closing down sales progress. The company has begun advertising these sales both through its website and within physical locations, allowing shoppers to take advantage of discounted merchandise as inventory is cleared.

Finding Your Nearest Store

Without a published list of the remaining 16 locations, the most reliable approach is to check the official Glue Store website or contact stores directly. The closing down sales may vary by location, and some stores may close earlier than others depending on how quickly inventory sells through.

What to Expect During Closing Sales

Closing down sales at Glue Store typically feature progressive markdowns as stores work to clear merchandise before final shutdown. Discounts may increase over time as the closure date approaches, though selection will also diminish as stock sells out. Customers should verify store operating hours and return policies during this period.

Is Glue Closing All Stores Permanently?

Accent Group has confirmed that the decision to cease operations at Glue Store represents a permanent closure of the retail chain. The company stated that the business will be wound down or sold, with the wind-down option appearing to be the primary path forward. This means that unlike some retail closures where a brand might be revived or licensed to another operator, Glue Store as currently configured will cease to exist.

The possibility of a sale remains on the table, which could potentially lead to a smaller version of the brand continuing under new ownership. However, no buyer has been publicly identified, and Accent Group has not announced any active negotiations. The focus appears to be on completing the wind-down process by the end of the 2026 financial year.

Why the Reversal on Profitability?

Accent Group had previously indicated that the remaining 16 stores were expected to operate profitably, a stance that has now been reversed. The deterioration in financial performance likely reflects continued pressure on retail margins, shifting consumer preferences toward online shopping, or higher-than-anticipated operational costs. The $8.4 million loss in the first half of FY2026 made clear that the earlier projections were no longer realistic.

Comparison to Other Retail Closures

The Glue Store situation follows a pattern seen across the Australian retail sector, where mid-market fashion chains have faced mounting challenges. Several competitors have undertaken similar rationalization programs or exited the market entirely. Accent Group’s decision to prioritize its stronger brands reflects the competitive pressures facing the entire industry.

Glue Stores Closure Timeline and Key Dates

The closure of Glue Store has unfolded over several years, beginning with Accent Group’s acquisition and culminating in the announcement of a complete shutdown. Understanding the timeline helps contextualize how the retailer arrived at its current situation and what milestones remain ahead.

1. 2021: Accent Group acquires Glue Store as part of portfolio expansion, inheriting over 30 store locations across Australia
2. 2022-2023: Post-acquisition rationalization begins, with store numbers gradually reduced through natural attrition and targeted closures
3. 2024: 17 stores close in a significant rationalization wave, bringing total locations to approximately 16
4. Early 2026: Accent Group announces decision to cease Glue Store operations, with full closure planned by end of FY2026
5. April 2026: Closing down sales commence both online and in remaining stores
6. June 2026 (estimated): End of FY2026 deadline for complete wind-down of all remaining stores

The timeline reveals a consistent downward trajectory for the chain following its acquisition. Accent Group appears to have given Glue Store multiple opportunities to achieve profitability before ultimately concluding that closure was the most appropriate path. The decision to close all stores by the end of FY2026 provides a defined endpoint for employees, customers, and creditors.

Job Losses and Future of the Glue Brand

The closure of all Glue Store locations will inevitably affect the workforce employed across the remaining 16 stores and any associated support functions. However, Accent Group has not released specific figures regarding the number of jobs that will be impacted. The total workforce would include store employees, management, and potentially distribution or administrative staff.

For affected employees, the wind-down process typically involves consultation requirements and potential redeployment opportunities within the broader Accent Group. However, with the company opening 27 new stores across its other brands in the preceding six months, there may be limited capacity to absorb Glue Store staff into those locations.

Could the Glue Brand Survive?

The future of the Glue brand remains uncertain. While Accent Group has left the door open for a potential sale, no interested buyer has been publicly named. The wind-down option appears most likely, which would mean the brand disappears from the Australian retail landscape entirely.

Should a buyer emerge, the brand could potentially continue in a reduced form, perhaps operating fewer stores or shifting to an online-only model. However, this outcome would require significant interest from an operator willing to invest in the brand despite its recent poor performance. Without such a development, the Glue name is likely to fade from the market.

Impact on Accent Group’s Portfolio

Accent Group’s decision to close Glue Store underscores its focus on brands demonstrating stronger performance. The company operates an extensive retail network of 898 stores across various footwear and fashion brands. By divesting underperforming assets like Glue Store, Accent Group can concentrate resources on expanding its most successful concepts.

What Is Confirmed and What Remains Unclear

While the broad strokes of the Glue Store closure are well documented, several details remain elusive. The absence of a published store list means customers cannot definitively identify which locations are still operating. Similarly, without official employment figures, the scale of the workforce impact remains estimates rather than confirmed data.

Retail Context: Why Are So Many Fashion Chains Struggling?

The closure of Glue Store fits within a broader pattern of Australian fashion retailers facing difficult conditions. Rising rental costs, increased competition from international online retailers, and shifting consumer preferences toward experience-based spending have all contributed to pressure on traditional brick-and-mortar retailers.

Accent Group’s strategy of concentrating on fewer but stronger brands reflects a pragmatic response to these challenges. Rather than spreading resources across a large portfolio of underperforming stores, the company is focusing on concepts like Dr. Martens and The Athlete’s Foot that demonstrate stronger market positioning and growth potential.

The fashion retail sector continues to evolve rapidly, with operators that fail to adapt facing increasing pressure. Glue Store’s closure illustrates the consequences when a brand cannot find a sustainable path forward in a competitive marketplace, even under the ownership of a larger parent company with significant retail expertise.

Official Statements and Sources

“The company has made the decision to cease the operations of Glue Store. The business will be wound down or sold.”

— Accent Group announcement

The official position from Accent Group makes clear that the closure is a definitive business decision rather than a temporary measure. The characterization of the business as being wound down or sold indicates that the company does not anticipate Glue Store continuing in its current form, even if a buyer emerges.

“Remaining stores were expected to be profitable.”

— Prior Accent Group statement (now reversed)

An earlier statement from Accent Group had suggested that the remaining stores would achieve profitability, a projection that proved incorrect. The reversal highlights the difficulty of forecasting retail performance in an uncertain economic environment. The subsequent $8.4 million loss demonstrated that the chain’s fundamentals had not improved as hoped.

All information in this report traces back to 7NEWS reporting on Accent Group’s announcement. No independent confirmation of additional details has been possible due to Accent Group declining to provide further comment when approached by 7NEWS.

Summary: What Happens Next for Glue Store

Glue Store is approaching the end of its journey as an Australian retail brand. With all remaining 16 stores set to close by the end of the 2026 financial year, customers have a limited window to shop the closing down sales that are now underway. The chain’s parent company, Accent Group, has determined that the locations are unprofitable and has chosen to redirect resources toward stronger brands in its portfolio.

While the business may potentially be sold, no buyer has been announced, and the wind-down appears to be the most likely outcome. Employees face an uncertain period as the closure process unfolds, though specific details about job impacts and support measures have not been publicly disclosed. For now, the focus remains on clearing inventory and completing the transition in an orderly manner.

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