Iconic menswear chain Roger David has gone into voluntary administration with the retailer admitting it has struggled to survive the swing towards online shopping.

‘Today marks a sad day in the long history of Roger David menswear and for Australian retail’

Roger David has been in business in Australia for 76 years, and currently operates 57 stores run by more than 300 staff across Australia.

In a statement the retailer’s directors said the decision to appoint administrators KordaMentha was an emotional one for the business.

READ MORE: Myer suffers $486 million FY net loss

“Today marks a sad day in the long history of Roger David menswear and for Australian retail,” the company said in a statement.

“Despite the directors’ best efforts with the business, it simply could not compete with the influx of multinational retailers and the rapid, global evolution of online shopping.”

KordaMentha restructuring partner Craig Shephard said rising costs and a shift towards online-only brands meant was affecting many traditional fashion retailers.

“Roger David, like many other fashion retailers, has been buffeted by global competition, stagnant sales and rising fixed costs”, said Shephard.

Iconic menswear chain Roger David has gone into voluntary administration with the retailer admitting it has struggled to survive the swing towards online shopping. (Roger David Website)

“The company has been exploring all options, including a sale of the business, but has been unable to find an alternative to administration.”

The retailer will now begin a national closing down sale to clear stock and raise as much money as possible for employees and other creditors.

The decision to appoint administrators also affects Roger David’s RDX brand.

KordaMentha has advised that gift cards for Roger David will only be honoured in full for one month to “encourage support from customers for the closing down sale”.

The first meeting of creditors will be held on October 30.