Closure for Yorkshire TJ Hughes stores

ADMINISTRATORS of collapsed retailer TJ Hughes have announced closure dates for the last five remaining stores – two of which are in Yorkshire.

The shops, which will close on August 31, employ 263 people and are based at Doncaster, Bradford, Sunderland, Lichfield and Wrexham.

Ernst & Young partner Tom Jack, joint administrator, said, “A purchaser for these remaining stores was not found, and regrettably we have had to schedule these final store closures. 

“We are extremely grateful to the employees and management at all the group’s stores for their loyalty and support during this very difficult time.

“During the administration we are pleased to have been successful in selling six TJ Hughes stores, which has safeguarded over 700 jobs across the UK.”

Despite this several thousand jobs were lost with the closure of the vast majority, 49, of the TJ Hughes portfolio.

The long-established Liverpool-based group collapsed in early July amid poor trading and big debts.

Last week it emerged that creditors stand to lose £350m – with most of this figure, £310m, owed to landlords.

A further £40m is owed to trade creditors with clothing and merchandise suppliers expected to lose around £25m.