Solomon Lew's Just Group has been taken to court over an alleged $3.6 million in unpaid rent by landlord Fortius Funds Management, a report by the AFR indicates.
According to the report, Fortius Funds Management is suing the Group for alleged unpaid rent on Just Jeans, Peter Alexander, Portmans and Smiggle stores in the Mid City Pitt Street Mall centre.
The AFR reports that Fortius is seeking court orders forcing Just Group to pay unpaid rent, expenses, costs and levies for four stores in the Mid City Centre from April 2020 onwards until the legal dispute is ruled on.
In response to the filing, Just Group has filed its own claim, stating that Fortius did not work in good faith to negotiate terms during the COVID-19 lockdowns.
Throughout the pandemic, Lew's Premier Investments (Just Group's parent) was very vocal in its staunch opposition to paying rent during the lockdowns.
While making those statements, the business was considered to be in a good negotiating position, given that 70% of its ANZ stores were in holdover or had leases expiring in 2020.
Just Group comprises of brands Just Jeans, Jay Jays, Jacqui E, Portmans, Dotti, Peter Alexander, and Smiggle and operates more than 1000 stores across Australia and New Zealand.