General News
31 July, 2025
National retailer to exit Ararat
ARARAT’s Cheap as Chips store is set to close in coming months as its parent company struggles to stay afloat.
“Closing Down” signs were placed throughout the shop last Friday and staff were informed they would soon be without work.
Cheap as Chips took residece in its Moore Street premises about four years ago after the shop had been vacated by another discount retailer, Chicken Feed.
Nine media reports that Cheap as Chips parent company Palcove Pty Ltd was earlier this year shopping for money or a possible sale of the business after a $34.8 million dollar loss in 2024.
The Adelaide based business also reported a $23 million dollar slump in revenues to $101.6 million in the last financial year.
It’s understood the business has been impacted by the surge in demand of online sales of cheap merchandise from traders like Temu.
Ararat is one of a number of stores that are earmarked to close which also includes the Cheap as Chips outlet in Warrnambool.
Signage was erected throughout the Ararat store last week advising customers the business will close.
It’s understood all items in the shop are being discounted ahead of the expected closure in September.
It’s understood up to a dozen full time and casual staff will be impacted by the closure.
The Ararat Advocate attempted to make contact with Cheap as Chips head office in Adelaide for comment on this story but we did not receive any response.
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