Dick Smith Holdings Ltd was a large electrical goods retailer, that operated approximately 390 stores under four brands, Dick Smith, Electronics powered by Dick Smith, Move and Move by Dick Smith. Ferrier Hodgson acting as the receiver advised the stock exchange on 25 February 2016 that following a sale process that failed to generate acceptable offers for the Dick Smith business, the remaining stores are to close and the Receivers will now proceed to realise the group’s available assets.
The ACCC has been working with other Australian Consumer Law regulators including ASIC to provide information to affected consumers.
ASIC has published information in relation to the Dick Smith announcement on its website. This includes how to register as an unsecured creditor.
The ACCC also has general information about consumer issues arising when a company is under administration which can be found at When a business goes bust.
A comprehensive Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document for Dick Smith customers can be found on the Dick Smith website, via the ‘Receivership Customer FAQ’ link at the top of the page.
The consumer rights and guarantees which are implied into all consumer transactions under the Australian Consumer Law (including repairs, replacement or refunds) continue to operate.
For goods purchased after 5 January 2016, consumers who have a faulty Dick Smith branded product purchased should approach Ferrier Hodgson as operators of the Dick Smith business for a remedy.
Consumers with faulty non-Dick Smith branded goods should approach the manufacturer in relation to any consumer guarantee claims.
For goods purchased before 5 January 2016, the receivers have advised they will not be providing refunds for faulty products:
- consumers with faulty non-Dick Smith branded goods should approach the manufacturer in relation to any consumer guarantee claims
- consumers who have a faulty a Dick Smith label product should register with Ferrier Hodgson as unsecured creditors.
The receivers have advised that consumers who have previously purchased gift cards should register with the receivers as unsecured creditors.