Gone for a Burton
NOTTINGHAM’S last remaining Dorothy Perkins and Burton shop is set to permanently close down after going into administration in December.
The shop, in Beastmarket Hill, is one of 214 across the country that will go, with the loss of around 2,450 jobs, said administrators Deloitte.
Staff were emailed yesterday morning.
The latest blow to the city’s high street scene follows the closure of Debenhams in Long Row, River Island in Lister Gate and the imminent closure of WH Smith, also in Lister Gate.
Clothes website Boohoo has tied up a £25.2 million deal to buy all the e-commerce and digital assets of Dorothy Perkins, Burton and Wallis, as well as their inventory.
But the arrangement doesn’t include the shops, concessions or franchises.
The rest of Sir Philip Green’s Arcadia group, including Topshop and Topman, were bought by Asos a week ago.
Boohoo chief executive John Lyttle said: “We are delighted to
Our investment aims to transform them into brands that are fit for the current market environment John Lyttle
announce the acquisition of the assets associated with the online businesses of the three established brands Burton, Dorothy Perkins and Wallis.
“Acquiring these well-known brands in British fashion out of administration ensures their heritage is sustained, while our investment
aims to transform them into brands that are fit for the current market environment.
“We have a successful track record of integrating British heritage fashion brands on to our proven multibrand platform, and we are looking forward to bringing these brands on board.”
Boohoo chairman Mahmud Kamani added: “This is a great acquisition for the group as we extend our market share across a broader demographic, capitalising on growth opportunities as more and more customers shop online.
“We continue to grow our portfolio of brands and customer base, strengthening our position as a leader in global fashion e-commerce.”
Approximately 260 jobs – mainly head office functions such as brand design, buying and merchandising, and the digital part of the business – will be moving to Boohoo.
Some other staff will also go through a transition period for a few months.
It means that all of Arcadia’s brands have been sold out of administration.
Administrators still have some property to sell from the business.
They have raised £500 million to pay off creditors so far.