Struggling homeware chain calls in administrators

Administrators have been called in to well-established homeware brand Feather & Black which has stores in Manchester, Chester and Wilmslow, Cheshire.

Allan Graham and Matt Ingram, both of Duff & Phelps were appointed as joint administrators yesterday (Monday, November 27).

Among its 25 stores nationwide, including concession in Multiyork Furniture and its head office and warehouse in Chichester, Feather & Black also has outlets in Leeds, Nottingham and Shrewbury.

Feather & Black is currently owned by the Wade family which also owns Multiyork, which went into administration last week and Duff & Phelps is currently seeking buyers for both businesses.

Graham said: “We are trading Feather & Black in administration in the short term with a view to finding a purchaser for the business as a going concern.

“We are confident that a buyer will be found and encourage any interested parties to come forward.”

He went on: “The latest CBI survey out late last week reported that UK retail sales bounced back in November after falling sharply the previous month. Many retailers have been hit by the slowdown in consumer spending.

“With inflation rising faster than wages, consumers are beginning to feel the pinch and have cut back on their household budgets. As a result of these tough trading conditions, Feather & Black Ltd could no longer meet on-going liabilities.”

The current management team is continuing in their current role and assisting the joint administrators during the process.

Graham added: “The current intention is for all orders made before November 27 to be honoured and customers will be contacted in due course with updates relating to these orders as required.”