The joint administrators of G.R. & M.M. Blackledge plc, trading as Bodycare, have provided the following update regarding the progress of the administration.
Since their last update, the joint administrators have continued to liaise with a number of parties who have expressed interest in the business, including interest in the Bodycare brand. While these discussions remain ongoing, it is with regret that the administrators confirm that a sale of the stores is now unlikely.
Given the shortage of stock and significant costs associated with operating stores, it is no longer viable to continue to trade the business. As such, the joint administrators have made the difficult decision to commence a closure programme for the remaining 56 stores.
It is expected that all stores will close by Saturday 27 September.
Regrettably, all 444 members of staff at these locations will be made redundant upon the closing of their respective stores. The administrators will continue to provide all support to those impacted, including supporting them with claims to the Redundancy Payments Service.
Nick Holloway, managing director at Interpath and joint administrator, said: “We understand this has been a difficult period and so we want to further express our sincere thanks to Bodycare’s staff who, since day one of the administration, have maintained the strong standards of presentation and customer service that Bodycare was renowned for.”
He added: “We will continue to explore options for the Company’s assets, including the Bodycare brand, and will provide further updates in due course.”
