One industry expert says the downfall of David Jones is the sign of a bigger problem impacting the retail sector. 

The Australian department store has officially gone into voluntary administration, following failed discussions between the 188 year old company and its landlord Scentre Group.

Australian consumer and retail analyst Barry Urquhart says all department stores around the world are struggling - including Saks Fifth Avenue.

"This is not so much an issue of retail competitiveness, advertising and marketing, it's a simple case of undercapitalisation."

LISTEN ABOVE

One industry expert says the downfall of David Jones is the sign of a bigger problem impacting the retail sector.&nbsp;
The Australian department store has officially gone into voluntary administration, following failed discussions between the 188 year old company and its landlord Scentre Group.
Australian consumer and retail analyst Barry Urquhart says all department stores around the world are struggling - including Saks Fifth Avenue.
"This is not so much an issue of retail competitiveness, advertising and marketing, it's a simple case of undercapitalisation."
LISTEN ABOVE

With a straight down the middle approach, Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive on Newstalk ZB delivers the very latest news and views to New Zealanders as they wrap up their day.

Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

Barry Urquhart: Australian consumer and retail analyst on David Jones being placed into voluntary administration

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/0b202e6d-5952-4e42-932f-b4f90062b868/transcript