David Jones supplier says he cannot reclaim unpaid stock

Slowdown Studio owner Jacob Leung tells Nine he expects little or no repayment, even as shoppers fill stores for major sales.

Channel: 9 News Australia ·

AustraliaStory of November 11, 2026Trari Newsroom

Why this story? One of 9 News Australia's most watched videos since yesterday, with 52,152 views.

9 News Australia: The news service of Australia's Nine Network, owned by Nine Entertainment. 1.9M subscribers and 1.7B views.

David Jones traffic in-store and online hits record | 9 News Australia

Things we can learn from the video

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0:15Boyle reports record shopping traffic and says David Jones owes around $100 million to suppliers.
1:14Leung says Slowdown Studio is owed $75,000 and expects little or no repayment.
1:45Leung says supply-contract terms prevent brands from reclaiming unpaid stock themselves.
3:07He argues that buying directly from small brands offers customers a way to support them.
3:33Leung describes uncertainty about his business's future ahead of the crucial holiday selling period.

Jacob Leung says his products remain available to shoppers at David Jones, but he cannot simply take them back despite being owed $75,000.

The Slowdown Studio owner's account gives the supplier's perspective on the crowds arriving at the Australian department store chain. Australian broadcaster 9 News Australia reports record in-store and online traffic, with shelves being restocked during major sales despite looming store closures.

Reporter Gabrielle Boyle puts the retailer's outstanding supplier debts at around $100 million. For Leung, interviewed by Sylvia Jeffreys, the immediate question is whether any of his company's money will come back.

"We're owed $75,000 and at this stage we don't think we're going to be getting anything back," he says.

Leung explains that the terms of retail supply agreements prevent smaller brands from entering stores and recovering stock for which they have not been paid. Taking it back themselves, he says, would be treated as stealing or shoplifting. His account describes the difficult position of a supplier watching goods continue to sell while payment remains uncertain.

He argues that customers who want to support small brands can buy directly from those businesses instead. With the holiday selling period approaching, his concern extends beyond the outstanding invoice to Slowdown Studio's ability to keep operating.

"It's really tough. We're really nervous. We're not sure what the future holds for us," Leung says.

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