Robins Kitchen collapses with 300 jobs in question

In yet another blow for retail, Lineville Pty Ltd, which trades as Robins Kitchen, has entered voluntary administration with the future of approximately 300 staff uncertain.

The kitchenware retailer operates 55 stores across Queensland, New South Wales and the ACT and has approximately 300 staff.

Administrators John Park, Kelly Trenfield and Quentin Olde will take care of proceedings, with the first creditors meeting to be held on December 30 in Brisbane.  

The administrators reported they are reviewing the financial status of the business, with a view to potentially restructuring the company or selling the business.

They also said an “orderly wind down” could be the outcome.

The administrators expect that all stores will remain open until at least Christmas Eve next week.

“We acknowledge that the timing of voluntary administration so close to Christmas is going to create additional uncertainty for employees and customers, which is difficult and unfortunate for all,” John Park said.

“It is our intention to work with all parties in an effort to minimise this impact where possible.”

The administrators declined to comment further regarding the amount of debts and number of creditors.

In addition to the bricks and mortar stores, Robins Kitchen also operates an online division, which sells kitchen products from well-known brands including Circulon, Anna Gare, Baccarat, Mundial and Wustof.

On its website, the company has listed some frequently asked questions regarding the administration. The information states that gift vouchers cannot be used, nor can lay-by be collected due to law.

It states that orders made online will be honoured, with the ecommerce arm trading as usual. 

The company was launched in Brisbane in 1976 by Allan Musgrave and Robin Brace. In 2004, Musgrave sold the business to current managing director Warwick Parer.

This year the retail industry has been plagued by administrations, with fashion brands such as Bettina Liano and Lisa Ho folding, book stores such as Allbooksforless.com going into administration and King of Knives also collapsing.