Pumpkin Patch appoints administrators

Pumpkin Patch, the children’s clothing retailer, has appointed

Deloitte as administrators. Based in Reading, the retailer has 36 stores across the UK and employs 400 staff, has confirmed that they have already closed five stores.

The five closures in Cambridge, Cheshire Oaks, Leeds, Swindon and Uxbridge have resulted in 60 employees being made redundant, though the administrator confirmed that the rest of the stores will continue to operate as normal.

The retailer’s parent company and head office is based in New Zealand, but the administration only affects the UK business; the company’s operations in Ireland, Internationally and online have not been impacted by the administration appointment.

Daniel Butters, partner in Deloitte’s restructuring services team, commented: “Pumpkin Patch Limited has suffered as a result of the unprecedented and prolonged downturn being experienced in the UK retail sector.  We will continue to trade the business while we explore all strategic options.

“We encourage all parties to remain supportive while we continue to trade the business, thus providing the best possible platform for us to preserve jobs and value for all creditors.”