11/12/2008

Closing Down Sale For Troubled Woolies

Troubled retailer Woolworths is to begin a closing down sale today as administrators said they could not find a buyer for the chain.

Up to 25,000 jobs are now at risk as Deloitte warned some of the company's 813 stores could close before the end of December, as they have so far failed to find a buyer for the struggling firm.

It has been reported Sainsbury's, Tesco, Asda, discount chain Poundland and the Co-op are still interested in picking up some of the retailers stores.

Reorganisation services partner Neville Kahn also said the administrators were making "every effort" to convert interest in Woolworths into firm offers.

Mr Kahn said: "While we are still seeking bids from interested parties, Christmas is clearly the busiest time of the year for retailers and it is prudent to do all we can to sell existing stock.

"By moving to a store closing sale and further discounting the stock, we are maximising the sales potential that this period offers."

Last week Deloitte also announced 450 support operations jobs will be cut at Marylebone Road in London and Castleton in Rochdale.

(JM)

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