Kitchen Things And Related Entities Enter Receivership

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 (together “the group”) were placed into receivership on 20 August 2025.

At the request of the directors, the holder of General Security Deeds over the group, appointed Russell Moore, Stephen Keen and Adele Hicks of Grant Thornton New Zealand Limited as Receivers and Managers (“the Receivers”).

The group is best known for Kitchen Things, a nationwide retailer of premium cooking appliances, alongside Jones Services (an appliance servicing business) and Applico Limited (the group’s distribution arm). The appointment impacts all 12 Kitchen Things stores nationwide.

Over the past two years, the group has faced sustained pressure from weaker consumer demand and increased competition on pricing, leading to ongoing trading losses. Despite efforts to restructure and reduce costs, including exploring possible sales avenues, these measures were not sufficient to offset declining sales and margins. As a result, the directors determined the group could no longer continue trading and asked the bank to appoint Receivers.

Receiver Stephen Keen said:

“We have temporarily closed all stores while we assess stock and establish next steps for the group. Our priority is to identify buyers for the business and/or assets of the group, ideally on a going concern basis. Key staff have been retained as we look to manage costs and re-open stores. We are calling for urgent expressions of interest from parties interested in acquiring all or part of the group.”

Established in 1986, Kitchen Things has been a trusted brand and supplier of premium appliances to New Zealand households. The group has long-standing relationships with leading international brands including Smeg, Asko, Miele, Bosch, Samsung and LG.

Notes:

About Grant Thornton International Ltd*

Grant Thornton is one of the world's leading organisations of independent assurance, tax and advisory firms. These firms help dynamic organisations unlock their potential for growth by providing meaningful, actionable advice through a broad range of services. Proactive teams, led by approachable partners in these firms, use insights, experience and instinct to solve complex issues for privately owned, publicly listed and public sector clients. Over 76,000 Grant Thornton people, across 150 markets, are focused on making a difference to clients, colleagues and the communities in which we live and work.

Grant Thornton International is a non-practicing, international umbrella entity organised as a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales. References to "Grant Thornton" are to the brand under which the Grant Thornton member firms operate and refer to one or more member firms, as the context requires. Grant Thornton International and the member firms are not a worldwide partnership. Services are delivered independently by member firms, which are not responsible for the services or activities of one another. Grant Thornton International does not provide services to clients.

*All references to Grant Thornton International in the press release and this “Notes” section are to Grant Thornton International Ltd. Grant Thornton International Ltd is a non-practicing, international umbrella entity organized as a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales.

About Grant Thornton New Zealand Ltd

Grant Thornton New Zealand has more than 300 people working in offices in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. We combine service breadth, depth of expertise and industry insight with an approachable client and people first mindset, and a broad commercial perspective.

In the New Zealand context only, the use of the term ‘Grant Thornton’ may refer to Grant Thornton New Zealand Limited and its New Zealand related entities.

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