David Jones Announces Shock Store Closures After Than 30 Years Disappointing It Will Be Missed

David Jones has announced its shock closures of two popular department stores after running for than 30 years.

The luxury department retail chain confirmed it will shut the Castle Hill and Tuggerah stores permanently in the New Year.

Shoppers are saddened by the unexpected news after seeing a sign at the Castle Towers location in Sydney.

‘After 34 years of serving our community, our David Jones Castle Towers store will be closing on Sunday January 18, 2026,’ the sign read.

‘The team would like to thank all our wonderful customers for your support.’

Customers living in the area are encouraged to visit their nearest David Jones locations – including Parramatta, Macquarie Centre, Hornsby and its newly refurbished Chatswood Chase store.

‘You can continue to shop all of your favourite brands across fashion, beauty and homewares online or visit our surrounding stores,’ the retailer added.

About 90km north of Sydney, the Tuggerah store on the Central Coast confirmed it was closing on January 12 after three decades of business.

‘We’re sad to announce that we’ll be closing the doors of our Tuggerah store,’ the retailer said.

‘On behalf of all of us at David Jones, we want to thank you for being a loyal customer over the past 30 years.’

The closest David Jones store to visit includes Kotara, Green Hills and Hornsby.

Shoppers have expressed their sadness on social media, with many loyal customers sharing they’ve been visiting the Castle Towers store since day one.

‘Very sad to read it’s closing. I’ve been going there since it opened. Demographics and shopping habits have changed a lot in the last 34 years,’ the customer said.

‘So very sad, I’ve been going there for as long as it has been open. With my parents every Saturday as a child, to shopping with my own babies. The cafe was my favourite, I have so many memories there,’ another shared about the Castle Hill store.

‘I have been shopping at David Jones for years and have seen a lot of changes, but I still love going there. I know I can find good quality at various prices and their sales are great. It’s not what it used to be, but then what else is?’ one revealed.

‘The most beautiful store at Castle Towers. Such a sad demise,’ another added.

‘Such a shame… So sad all the good old stores are closing in favour of the cheaper shops now,’ one said.

‘Disappointing, it will be missed,’ another suggested.

Former and current employees, as well as suppliers of David Jones, have shared fond memories of working at the stores.

‘I worked at Tuggerah David Jones and I loved it – such beautiful staff,’ one said.

‘I worked in the Castle Towers store between 2007 and 2009, and it was a great place to work,’ another shared.

‘As a supplier to David Jones, I will miss visiting David Jones Castle Hill. My product sold very well there and the staff were very friendly and professional,’ one added.

Some customers blamed high prices, fast-fashion retailers and online shopping for the closures of David Jones stores.

‘I’m gonna sound like the biggest Gen Z’er here but sorry, they need to get with the times. Their prices are not competitive most of the time… Times are tough and a lot of these companies are fading away,’ one shared.

‘It’s a shame and shops close, as people shop online, I like to try before I buy and it’s getting harder to shop, as online is taking over,’ another said.

David Jones currently has around 40 stores across Australia.