Prices slashed at two beloved Merry Hill fashion shops ahead of forthcoming closures
Merry Hill shopping centre is preparing to say goodbye to two beloved fashion shops which have called in the administrators.
Claire's Accessories is selling off stock as the business prepares to bow out of the shopping mall and UK high streets after plunging into administration in early January.
Quiz clothing store is also selling items at discounted prices after going into administration on February 5.
No closure dates have been confirmed for the stores - both of which are continuing to trade.
Modella Capital said in January that “last-ditch attempts” to save Claire's had fallen through, with no realistic possibility of trading profitably again, after a notice of intention to appoint an administrator was filed on January 5.
Alistair McAlinden and Geoff Jacobs from Interpath were appointed joint administrators to Orion Retail Limited, Tarak International Limited and Zandra Systems Limited, collectively trading as Quiz Clothing and they recently gave an update on progress.
Mr McAlinden, head of Interpath in Scotland and joint administrator, said: “Since our appointment on February 5, trading across the Quiz store portfolio has been extremely positive. We’d like to advise customers that all 40 stores remain open, and we will now be commencing additional clearance discounts across all remaining stock.
“We’d like to give our huge thanks to Quiz’s team of dedicated employees and its loyal customers for their tireless support since our appointment.”
Mr Jacobs, managing director at Interpath and joint administrator, urged any remaining parties with an interest in acquiring the stock, store operations and infrastructure of Quiz to get in touch as soon as possible.
The loss of the stores will be a sad loss to Merry Hill - but the shopping centre's chief has promised there will be some "exciting" news ahead.
Jonathan Poole, centre manager of Merry Hill, said: “We’re sorry to hear the news about Claire’s and Quiz, and we’d like to wish their teams well for the future. We can confirm that both stores will continue to trade throughout the administration process.
“We continue to work closely with existing and new retailers to deliver a great mix of stores, products, and services for our customers, with recent new arrivals at Merry Hill including Cotswold Outdoor, Flying Tiger, Lovisa, B&Q, and Bensons for Beds, as well as new eateries such as Wendy’s, Slim Chickens, and Toledo Lounge.
"Leading leisure attraction Carnival Golf and Games has also just opened its doors and is proving exceptionally popular with visitors already."
He added that the Brierley Hill shopping mall has "an exciting year ahead", adding: "We look forward to revealing further centre news soon.”
