Uncertain future for shoe retailer as administrators readied

Nearly 100 jobs are at risk after a shoe and accessories retailer posted a notice of intention (NOI) to appoint administrators.

Retail Group UK based in Willenhall, was founded by entrepreneur Lee Bushell in May 2020. The investment firm that Bushell is chairman of, Bushell Investment Group (BIG), went on to acquire the UK trade and assets of shoe and accessories retailer Aldo shortly after, saving 150 jobs and creating 50 more.

Bushell ceased to be a person with significant control over the firm in April 2023 with BIG taking over that same day.

Hair brands Supercuts and Regis are counted as part of BIG’s portfolio, as well as Guardian Warehousing and Gorilla Scaffolding. Bira Bank was also acquired by BIG in January 2021 and turned into the Birmingham Bank, aiming to serve SME businesses in the Midlands and then throughout the UK.

The NOI, filed by representatives from DMH Stallard, will protect the firm from any creditor action for a period of around ten days while the company attempts to find a way forward. It’s the fourth time an NOI has been posted since the start of January.

Revenue for Retail Group UK reached £7.7m in the seven months to December 2021, after reporting turnover of £6.2m for 2020.

Profits of £381,000 were achieved for the same seven month period.

BIG has been contacted for comment with no response received.