Catch

Catch You Later! What The Future Holds After Catch.com.au Shuts Its Doors

Major shake-up in Aussie e-commerce as Catch.com.au announces its impending closure! 🚪💔 What’s in store for gift card holders and mobile users? Read on!

In a major shake-up within the Australian e-commerce landscape, Wesfarmers announced that it will be shutting down online retailer Catch.com.au, effective April 30. While this news may seem like a nail in the coffin for many online shoppers, fear not! For existing Catch mobile users, Catch Connect will continue to function as usual. So, while you won’t be clicking away on your favorite deals from Catch.com.au any longer, you can still stay connected with your mobile services.

As the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) probes the situation, gift card holders may want to scramble a bit in the excitement (or panic) of using their balances up before the deadline. They have until April 30 to ensure they get the full value of their gift cards, and given the track record of retail closures, it’s a good reminder to always read the fine print. After all, isn’t it ironic that the very cards intended to brighten your day may soon go “poof”?

Wesfarmers, parent company of Catch, has reported that the decision to close the online store is due to increasing “competitive intensity” in the market. Given that Wesfarmers also owns well-loved giants like Kmart and Bunnings, it’s clear they're looking to streamline operations and cut costs. While the news may be disheartening for those of us who enjoyed deals in our pyjamas, it’s all for a greater cause – boosting their omnichannel offerings! Look out for those Kmart-style click and collect services coming your way.

But wait, did you know that Catch was originally founded in 2006 as an online flash sales site? Over the years, it transitioned into a full-fledged retail powerhouse, boasting millions of customers. While the closure marks the end of an era for Catch, the memories (and perhaps gift cards) will linger in our hearts....and wallets!