Remaining Focus DIY stores to close
Ernst & Young, the administrators for the failed Focus DIY chain, have announced the closure of 120 stores which will result in up to 3,000 job losses.
The administrators have appointed retail agent Gordon Brothers to liquidate stock and close the stores down.
55 out of the 178 Focus stores have been sold to various retail chains in the last few weeks including B&Q owner Kingfisher, DIY chain Wickes and variety retailer B&M Retail. The sales have saved 900 jobs.
Ernst & Young said it would continue trying to sell the remaining stores. A number of retailers have expressed interest in the stores including The Range and 99p Stores. However, a potential management buy-out led by Bill Grimsey, former Focus Chief Executive, has failed to materialise.
Closing down sales are expected to begin at the Focus stores as early as today.
