Kitchen Things temporarily closes all 12 stores as retailer and related companies enter receivership after four decades in business

Kitchen Things, a nationwide retailer of premium cooking appliances, has entered receivership with several related entities and temporarily closed 12 stores in New Zealand.

The move follows sustained trading losses caused by weaker consumer demand and intense price competition over the past two years. Despite restructuring efforts and attempts to sell parts of the business, the directors concluded the group could no longer continue trading.

The development was confirmed in a press release issued by Grant Thornton International on 20 August 2025, titled “Kitchen Things And Related Entities Enter Receivership”, and published on the Scoop.co.nz website.

Receivers appointed

At the request of the group’s directors, Russell Moore, Stephen Keen and Adele Hicks of Grant Thornton New Zealand Limited have been appointed as Receivers and Managers.

The appointment covers Kitchen Things IP Limited, Kitchen Things Holdings Limited, Jones Family Investments Limited, Kitchen Things NZ Limited, Appliance Works (2015) Limited, Baumatic Appliances Limited and Applico Limited.

The receivership does not affect the Hamilton Kitchen Things outlet, which operates under a separate franchise.

Stores shut while options assessed

Receiver Stephen Keen said on the release that all stores have been temporarily closed while stock is assessed and the next steps are determined. “Our priority is to identify buyers for the business and/or assets of the group, ideally on a going concern basis,” he said.

Key staff have been retained, with the receivers calling for urgent expressions of interest from potential buyers.

Longstanding appliance retailer

Founded in 1986, Kitchen Things has been a familiar brand in New Zealand households, known for supplying premium kitchen appliances and servicing through its Jones Services arm.

Its distribution company, Applico Limited, and long-term partnerships with international brands such as Smeg, Asko, Miele, Bosch, Samsung and LG have anchored its market presence.