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Maplin

Maplin and Toys R Us set to go bust today

On this episode of Talking Shop I’m joined by Alain Bejjani—former Group CEO of Middle East retail giant Majid Al Futtaim, and author of the definitive new book, NEXT: Leading Through the New Realities. Drawing on his childhood in war-torn Beirut, and his experience steering a $9.5bn dollar retail and lifestyle empire through a global pandemic, Alain brings an unmatched perspective on leadership under pressure. Today, we break down his crisis survival playbook for retailers operating in distress. We discuss why resilience must always outpace efficiency, the four assets a brand must protect at all costs, and how to turn macro-turmoil into a long-term direction that scales.

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Maplin and Toys R Us are reportedly facing collapse today (28 February) after failing to secure buyers.

Maplin employs 2,500 staff across its 200 stores in the UK, while Toys R Us employs 3000 staff in its 106 stores.

The American owner of Toys R Us filed for bankruptcy last September with a £15m VAT bill which can’t be paid unless the retailer sells.

Toys R Us management met with the Pension Protection Fund (PPF) on Friday (23 February) to update them on the company’s status. The company’s retirement scheme will be handed over to PPF, which could lead to a cut in savers’ benefits.

The company is understood to have appointed Moorfields Corporate Recovery to handle its administration.

Maplin was in talks with the owner of Edinburgh Woolen Mill over a possible rescue deal, but discussions had broken down last night (27 February).

PricewaterhouseCoopers has been lined up to handle the administration.

UPDATE: Toys R Us has gone into administration, but trading will continue as normal in its 106 stores as the retailer starts plans to shut them down.

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