Olan Mills shuts down

Olan Mills photographic studios today became the latest casualty of the recession, closing all its stores and leaving thousands of customers out of pocket.

It shut all its 34 businesses, including its Black Country shop in Aldridge, as it went into administration today. Many families have paid hundreds of pounds in advance for photos.

But they were left unsure if they would ever receive their orders.

The company said it was ''endeavouring to fulfil all outstanding orders" for photos already taken, but admitted that those that had pre-paid for vouchers or gift boxes would have to queue up in the list of creditors for any refunds.

Those who pre-paid by credit card will be able to claim refunds from their credit card company, but customers who paid by cash, debit card or cheque will have to claim as unsecured creditors. A family portrait session at the company costs more than £300.

The company had previously collapsed in 2006, resulting in the closure of its stores in Stourbridge and Wolverhampton.

The Aldridge studio, in Anchor Parade, Aldridge, survived on that occasion to become part of a management buyout.

The UK arm of Olan Mills was launched in 1981 and at one stage operated from around 100 studios. It has recently traded largely out of Mothercare stores.

The collapse of the company is the latest well-known name to fall victim to the recession.

The other casualty today was designer fashion chain USC, which has gone into administration putting 300 jobs at risk. USC, which has a branch in Birmingham, was owned by investment firm West Coast Capital.

Big names to go recently include Woolworths and MFI, with childrenswear shop Adams and music store Zavvi in administration.

By Simon Penfold