Relief for staff as town’s Beales store spared from closure
THE Beales department store in Southport was spared when administrators of the beleaguered chain announced half its branches would close.
KPMG, which is handing the firm’s financial troubles, confirmed late last week that 12 of the 23 stores would close in about eight weeks, with staff keeping their jobs until then.
The Lord Street branch was not named among those to close and KPMG says there is currently no intention to implement closure plans for the remaining 11 stores, which will continue to operate as usual “until an outcome with regards to a sale of the business is clarified”.
The 139-year-old business, which employs about 1,050 people, collapsed into administration in January after it was unable to secure a last-minute buyer. The Bournemouth-based retailer was previously in talks with landlords over rent reductions and is the latest high street name to suffer from soaring business rates and the public deserting shopping centres in record numbers.
After the administration process was announced, Southport BID said it was working closely with Sefton Council on a possible recovery programme for the owners and to support staff and management working there.
A meeting was also held with Damien Moore MP as part of efforts to lobby for national reform of issues affecting the high street such as business rates.
A government spokesman said: “We are aware that the administrators for Beales have decided to implement a closure programme for 12 out of the 23 stores.
“We understand this must be a worrying time for employees and their families.
“The government is in continuing contact with the administrators and stands by to help those affected find new employment as soon as possible.”