Life & Style administrators shut 12 more stores

THE administrators of Altrincham-based discount retailer Life & Style have closed 12 more of its shops, leading to 181 redundancies.

The latest round of closures means that 34 stores have shut since the firm went into administration and 440 staff have been laid off.

Life & Style was set up last year by retail entrepreneur Elaine McPherson after buying the business and assets of the former Ethel Austin chain from administrators, but it crashed again in June when RSM Tenon were appointed as joint administrators. The  company had 91 stores.

Joint administrator Simon Bonney said: “Regretfully, to ensure the long-term future of the overall business, we have had no alternative but to close further stores.”

Shop workers’ union USDAW said that it has been urging the administrators to keep as many stores open as possible until talks to buy the chain have concluded. Administrators have confirmed that they remain in talks with a potential buyer for the business.

USDAW has also written to the government expressing concerns that former owner McPherson may be attempting to buy the business out of administration for the third time. TheBusinessDesk.com reported on June 8 that she had set up a new company, Life & Style Retail (No.2) Ltd, at the same building from which the firm currently operates.

The union asked administrators to ensure any prospective buyer of the business displays “an ability to run the business effectively and show they can provide a long term, sustainable future for its employees”.

USDAW national officer John Gorle said: “We have been urging the administrators to keep all stores open while a buyer is sought, but once again, stores have been closed and more loyal staff made redundant with barely any notice and absolutely no consultation with their Union.”

“We will be taking all necessary legal steps to protect their interests.”