I first heard that For Arts Sake was closing last week. I put it down to rumour. A couple of days later I was told staff were locked out of their head office. I reached out to the CEO but did not receive a response.
It does seem like the business is in a challenging situation.
I am sure other card companies are reaching out, seeking opportunities.
I feel for those who worked at the company and for small businesses who may be out of pocket if it comes to that.
If the reports turn out to not be true or if a positive resolution is found – great news for those who do rely on the company.
…
For what it’s worth, what I want from a card company is:
- Cards that sell.
- Cards I am proud to showcase.
- Regular range refresh.
- Opportunities to reach new shoppers.
- Aussie made.
- On time delivery.
- Good communication.
- Differentiation compared to big retailers.
…
I think the Aussie card market is undergoing change. There is growth in engagement in some co-horts and this is uncovering people buying cards not traditionally offered by the biggest suppliers in Australia.
There is less price pressure, which I like because the $1 and $2 cards look and feel awful.
Shoppers are responding to smart promotion of the category.
Newsagents can shine as specialty retailers compared to supermarkets, convenience stores and Australia Post corporate stores, which tend to mediocre in their engagement with the category in my view.
Wondering if anyone has had any communication from For Arts Sake?
Employees receive an email from Noel Mullally the managing director on the 12th July advising the company was going into voluntary administration but there has been no further updates and all staff have been left abandoned with no official notice or wages or holiday pay and general consensus is Noel Mullally has done a runner .
The Managing director of For Arts Sake has abandoned loyal staff and not paid any wages or holiday pay to staff so be aware if you come across them .
The ASIC website has uploaded a Form 519, Notification of court action relating to winding-up. Dated, July 28, 2023, the notice was lodged on behalf of Fundit Limited, a finance company located in Melbourne. The application for winding-up has been made under Section 459P of the Corporations Act. Section 459P of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) (“Corporations Act“) says that a creditor can apply to the Court for a company to be wound up in insolvency.
Impacted employees should research the Fair Entitlements Guarantee: https://www.fairwork.gov.au/ending-employment/bankruptcy-and-liquidation
Noel Mullally, I’m an employee still waiting for my pay.
He has told employees nothing.
The company owes delivery companies, suppliers, workers, realestate.
My opinion: avoid any business dealings with this man.
Sorry to hear this Julie.
You hould research the Fair Entitlements Guarantee: https://www.fairwork.gov.au/ending-employment/bankruptcy-and-liquidation
Unfortunately Mark this doesn’t apply as far as I am aware to New Zealand employees as I’m a New Zealand employee and like Juile mentioned left high and dry.
We can only hope that our x employer has some human decency and pays what is owning to loyal employees who have stuck by him some for 30yrs since For Arts Sake started
Hi Paul, sorry to hear this.
Your entitlements will depend on the entity through which you were employed. I suggest you reach to to those handling the insolvency matter.
In NZ, there is this link, too, that may help: https://www.business.govt.nz/tax-and-accounting/closing-down/insolvency-and-involuntary-closure/#:~:text=If%20you%20have%20employees%20and,a%20preferential%20payment%20is%20%2423%2C960.
Hi Mark, I am a customer of ForArtsSake and were supplied by it. So what’s happen to us, like stocks Sale or Return, as we had been disconnected to the office since July the 1st without any announcements or advices.
David Coyne of BRI Ferrier in Melbourne has been appointed liquidator of the business. https://briferrier.com.au/ he was appointed by the Supreme Court on August 30.
I’m no lawyer and this is not professional advice but when other suppliers have been placed in liquidation, there was no recourse on remaining stock.