Carpetright has confirmed stores across Cumbria are set to close following its fall into administration.
Over 200 stores are closing down across the UK – including stores in Barrow, Kendal, Carlisle and Whitehaven.
While the firm was bought in a rescue deal by flooring retailer Tapi – saving 54 stores, two warehouses, the brand and its intellectual property – over 1,018 jobs are set to be cut as part of the wider closures.
Zelf Hussain, Rachael Wilkinson and Peter Dickens of PwC have been appointed as joint administrators of Carpetright Ltd.
Zelf Hussain, joint administrator and partner at PwC UK, 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.”
Founded in 1988, Carpetright had 273 stores and 1,898 employees across the UK.
