Twenty Carpetright stores in Scotland to close amid rescue deal

Twenty Carpetright stores in Scotland are set to close despite a rescue deal being hashed out by administrators.

Just four of Scotland’s 24 stores have been saved from closure, following the sale of 56 sites across the UK to the Tapi Group.

Stores in Bishopbriggs, Dumbarton, Dumfries and Edinburgh Hermiston Gait will remain open as part of the deal.

The carpet firm appointed administrators earlier this month, throwing the futures of more than 1,800 staff at 272 stores across the UK into jeopardy.

Zelf Hussain, Rachael Wilkinson and Peter Dickens of PwC were appointed as joint administrators of Carpetright Ltd., (“the Company”). On appointment, the joint administrators completed a sale of 54 stores and two logistics hubs to CWHPLtd., part of the Tapi Group. Around 300 jobs were saved as part of the deal.

Customers waiting for outstanding orders can find further guidance from the Carpetright website. Administrators said that orders placed with in stores set to close will be unable to be fulfilled and affected customers have been urged to contact their payment provider about the possibility of a refund.

Zelf Hussain, joint administrator, said: “Carpetright has fallen victim to challenges facing many retailers, especially those selling big ticket items. A mixture of factors, including a big reduction in consumer spending due to cost of living pressures, lower home sales and a debilitating cyber attack made it impossible for the business to continue in its current form.

“The sale of some stores and the brand to Tapi has allowed over 300 jobs to be saved, and gives the Carpetright brand the chance to continue and flourish under its new ownership.

“However, it is deeply saddening that for the remainder of the workforce there will be redundancies. We are committed to helping those affected and will make sure redundancy claims are processed as quickly as possible. In collaboration with Tapi, we will assist in efforts to help individuals find new jobs elsewhere. 

“We know this is an uncertain time for many of those affected and want to thank all the staff for the support they have given the company in these difficult circumstances.”