The Closure of Glue: A Fashion Icon’s Farewell
Australian fashion retailer Glue has permanently closed its doors after nearly 30 years, leaving many shoppers and employees with a sense of nostalgia and sadness. Known for its unique selection of brands such as Paul Frank and G-STAR in the 2000s, the iconic store has announced that its online store closed on June 14, with some physical shops set to shut for good in the coming days.
The closure comes after a long and storied history. The retailer, which launched in 1998, had been a staple in the Australian fashion scene. In a heartfelt message, Glue expressed gratitude for its customers’ loyalty over the years.
“After many years of bringing you the styles you love, the best street and contemporary fashion, it’s time for us to say goodbye,” the statement read. “We are so grateful for your loyalty and support over the years. Thank you to every single person who shopped with us, supported us and made Glue what it was. It’s meant everything.”
The closure has sparked an outpouring of emotion from customers, many of whom have shared their memories of shopping at Glue. One customer said, “End of an era.” Another added, “This is a sad, sad day… Never forget the G-STAR and Henleys 2011-2015. Love you forever glue.”
Many shoppers shared how Glue was more than just a store; it was a part of their lives. One person wrote, “Glue, you were incredible. I may have aged out a bit from you but I always found the best fits when I was younger. It’s sad that more people don’t care.” Another said, “I’m so mad – I love this store. I’m crying.”
The final days of Glue have been marked by a closing down sale, with Melbourne shoppers able to visit the Emporium store for the final time before it closes on June 21. “After an incredible run, we’re closing our doors for good… We’re going out with a bang,” the company added.
Former employees have also shared their fond memories of working at Glue. One recalled, “Lots of incredible careers were kick started with Glue and amazing times spent over the journey, with friendships that will last a lifetime.” Another said, “I had a blast working with you.”
In February, owner Accent Group confirmed it was closing its Glue stores by the end of the financial year after recording an $8.4 million loss in six months. This financial struggle has contributed to the decision to close the stores.
Millennials, in particular, have expressed their sadness about the closure. One person shared, “I have not shopped there for many years – I am very old now – but I’m still weirdly sad to see it go.” Another added, “As a millennial I feel like their stores were exactly for us. They started up when we were in our teens as an aspirational brand, just in time for us to get more disposable income in our 20s. Now we’ve aged out of the market, and the next generation has moved on to something else. Damn I feel old now.”
Some customers have also commented on the impact of the closure on the local business landscape. One said, “Bought my first pair of Dr Martens from them. Sad to see another Aussie business collapse but not surprising – they weren’t stocking interesting stuff.” Another added, “Another one bites the dust.”
