Cheshire Oaks Pumpkin Patch closes

THE Cheshire Oaks branch of childrens clothes retailer Pumpkin Patch has closed, leading to 14 job losses.

Its closure follows the appointment of administrators Deloitte to the UK arm of the business, which has 36 stores employing 400 staff from a HQ in Reading.

Joint Administrators Dan Butters and Richard HAwes have said that internaional operations in Ireland and Pumpkin Patch’s home country of New Zealand are unaffected by the UK administration, and that Cheshire Oaks was one of only four UK stores it has closed to date.

Mr Butters said: “Pumpkin Patch has suffered as a result of the unprecedented and prolonged downturn being experienced in the UK retail sector.

“We will continue to trade the business while we explore all strategic options.
“We encourage all parties to remain supportive while we continue to trade the business, thus providing the best possible platform for us to preserve jobs and value for all creditors.”