Carpetright has been kitting out homes across the UK since 1988. It’s one the the country’s biggest flooring retailers and has been a mainstay of shopping complexes and industrial parks for decades. But now its days could be numbered.
Carpetright has apparently been struggling for a while. The cost-of-living crisis means customers aren’t spending as much on furniture and furnishings, plus it had to deal with a cyber attack back in April that caused a further slump in trade.
As the chain tries to secure extra funding, Carpetright has filed a notice of intention to appoint an administrator. The move puts more than 1,800 jobs at risk across over 270 stores.
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John Cullen, partner and insolvency expert at business advisory firm Menzies, told the BBC that the cyber attack looked like the ‘straw that broke the camel's back’.
If you’re deep in your interior design era, don’t worry – Carpetright is still trading for now. Orders are still being fulfilled but if your delivery isn’t up to scratch it won’t be offering refunds. You’ll only be able to pick an alternative product and arrange earlier delivery.
Kevin Barrett, the chief exec of Carpetright’s parent company Nestware Holdings, said: ‘We remain focused on securing external investment to ensure as few customers and colleagues are impacted as possible.
‘They are our main priority and we are taking all appropriate action to make sure they are informed and supported through this process. We have begun promising conversations with interested parties that are moving in the right direction, encouraging us that Carpetright has a viable future.’
UK shop closures
Carpetright’s not the only shop that's been having a hard time recently. From Costa to Boots and Wetherspoons, you can see the full list of UK high street closures in 2024 here.
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