Administrators of collapsed retailer Focus DIY are planning to shut the retail chain.
Administrators at Ernst & Young have confirmed that they have appointed retail consultant Gordon Brothers to advise on the sale of all stock, with a view to closing down the group.
The closing down sale begins this weekend with discounts across all stock lines.
Ernst & Young is continuing negotiations for the sale of a number of stores across the group. It has already found buyers for 55 stores in three separate deals and hopes to secure the sale of further stores. However, it has not been possible to find a buyer for the group as a whole.
The 175-strong Focus collapsed into administration on 5 May after breaching its banking convenants.
Simon Allport, joint administrator at Ernst & Young, said: “UK retailers are facing one of the most challenging retail environments in recent times and the DIY sector has become highly competitive, with only the strongest players being able to thrive and survive.”
annabel.dixon@estatesgazette.com
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