Administrators
This coverage explores the pivotal role of administrators in the UK retail landscape — from corporate restructuring and insolvency proceedings to business recovery and turnaround strategies. Retail Sector reports on high-profile administrations, creditor processes, and store closures affecting major retail brands, high streets, and shopping centres. Coverage also includes expert analysis of the financial, operational, and legal factors that lead to administration, as well as insights into how these events reshape competition, employment, and supply chains across the sector. Our editorial provides professionals with the context and intelligence needed to navigate financial distress and transformation within the retail market.
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Dec- 2019 -11 DecemberAdvice
Preventing seasonal staff from becoming the Nightmare Before Christmas
As we approach the busiest shopping months of the year, many retailers will look to hire additional staff on short-term contracts to allow for the anticipated customer demand. In fact, a cursory search on one of the UK’s top job sites indeed.co.uk shows no less than 5,000 “Christmas” jobs advertised…
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10 DecemberHigh Street
Mothercare losses widen amid declining sales
Embattled retailer Mothercare has reported statutory losses before tax of £21.2m in its half-year trading update, amid declining worldwide sales. For the 28 weeks to 12 October 2019, worldwide sales decreased by 8.4% to £452.3m, and international retail sales were also down 5.3% in constant currency. The retailer’s net debt…
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6 DecemberHigh Street
Jessops appoints administrators, 500 jobs at risk
Camera retailer Jessops has appointed administrators to its property arm, reportedly placing around 500 jobs at risk. According to The Guardian, the retailer’s main trading company Jessops Europe is not affected by the administration and its owner, Dragons Den’s Peter Jones, is thought to want to keep the business going.…
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4 DecemberHigh Street
Clintons saved from administration
Clintons has been saved from administration after the Weiss family regained control of the business through a new entity. Will Wright and Steve Absolom from KPMG, who were appointed joint administrators, sold the brand and its assets to Esquire Retail Limited – a holding company for the Weiss family. The…
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Nov- 2019 -28 NovemberHigh Street
Dragons’ Den star Peter Jones kicks off Jessops sales talks
Dragon’s Den star Peter Jones has begun talks with potential buyers for embattled camera retailer Jessops, reports have claimed. Sky News said Jones, who owns Jessops, is holding talks with unnamed buyers and discussions are still at an early stage. However, the potential sale remains as only one of the…
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28 NovemberClothing & Shoes
Peacocks announced as ‘preferred bidder’ for Bonmarché
Peacocks has been chosen as the preferred bidder to acquire Bonmarché, it was announced this morning. FRP Advisory was appointed administrator for the troubled retailer in October, and joint administrators Tony Wright, Alastair Massey and Phil Pierce oversaw the administration process. Peacocks will now enter a period of negotiations with…
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11 NovemberHigh Street
Clintons could close up to 66 stores
Greeting cards retailer, Clintons, has revealed plans to shut one in five of its UK stores, and is looking to find cheaper rent on over 200 of its shops. According to the Sunday Telegraph, Clintons is looking to close 66 of its 332 stores and also wishes for the rent…
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6 NovemberHigh Street
2800 jobs affected as Mothercare ceases UK trading
Mothercare has announced it is to cease all trading within the UK, putting a potential 2800 jobs at risk. Operating stores will close over the coming weeks and months, with the potential loss of 2485 retail jobs and 384 head office positions. Further losses will be seen at warehouses and…
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4 NovemberEconomy
Mothercare to appoint administrators, placing 2,500 jobs at risk
Mothercare has announced that it will appoint administrators, less than 18 months since it launched a CVA. The children’s company, which operates 79 high street stores across the UK, said it will file a notice of intent today, placing 2,500 jobs at risk. It is believed that only 500 full…
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1 NovemberHigh Street
Phillip Day loses £5.7m equity following Bonmarche collapse
Phillip Day has lost his £5.7m equity investment in Bonmarche, following its collapse into administration last month. Spectre Holdings Ltd, owned by Phillip Day, lost its multi-million investment when administrators from FRP were appointed to handle the administration process, In-Cumbria reported. Spectre provided Bonmarche with working capital and a “cost…
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