Hard times: Allders‘ closure will blight the centre of Croydon for years to come
10.50am UPDATE Allders is to close in two weeks’ time, the management announced to staff in a meeting just before 10am today.
Administrators were called-in in June for the 150-year-old department store that is so closely associated with central Croydon.
The store will close on September 22, with concessions asked to remove their stock and fittings, some as soon as September 16.
Today’s announcement is an admission of defeat, as the administrators have failed to find a buyer for the business, which reports in the trade press have suggested is because of the long-term uncertainities over the site, which is subject to a £1 billion developers’ tug-of-war between Hammerson and Westfield.
The closure could see nearly 1,000 people losing their jobs, with many of the concessions that operated within the store having their entire business threatened if they are unable to find, or afford, to move to alternative premises.
In a formal email of notice sent to the owners of concessions operating within Allders, and seen by Inside Croydon, Matthew Bond, for the administrators, said:
Dear Sirs
Allders (Croydon) Limited (In Administration) (“the Company”)
Notice of Store ClosureI refer to the appointment of the Joint Administrators to Allders (Croydon) Limited on 15 June 2012.
As you are aware the Company has continued to trade in Administration under the Joint Administrators’ supervision whilst we sought a potential purchaser. Unfortunately, we have been unable to secure a purchaser for the business and assets of the Company in this instance and have no alternative other than to close the store…
… A member of the team will be in contact with you over the next few days regarding the logistical requirements for your exit from the store. We wish to assist as much as possible to ensure this is a smooth process for all concerned.
… Whilst the store may be closing we will continue with the Administration process and ensure that all outstanding trading matters are resolved during this time.
The Joint Administrators will contact creditors going forward regarding the progress of the Administration.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your support during the post appointment administration trading period and wish you luck in the future…
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