Ethel Austin enters administration

Ethel Austin has gone into administration. The 300 store retailer dates back to 1934 and established itself as a leader in the value clothing retail sector. The latest annual turnover for the company is in the region of £150 million and the company employs around 2,800 staff throughout its stores and the Knowsley-based HQ in Liverpool.

Appointed Administrator Philip Duffy commented, “At this stage, it's too early to be certain about the exact reasons for the financial difficulties. Our primary concern is to ensure that the business continues to trade in the coming weeks and that a suitable buyer is found. Despite the current challenges faced by the retail sector we remain confident that a buyer can be found. Ethel Austin has a good brand and good customer base and this, together with its national coverage, should make it an attractive opportunity for a retailer. We appreciate that this is a worrying time for staff and are therefore keen to keep them informed of progress.”