Zavvi

Zavvi the entertainment retailer became insolvent in 2009 after Administrators Ernst & Young declared the company bankrupt. The company went into administration after they were unable to compete with online retailers and the upcoming online video markets.

• Administrators: Ernst & Young
• Year Founded: 2009
• Total Number of Jobs Lost: 3,420
• Number of Retail Shops: 114
• Managing Director/CEO: Simon Douglas

…2019: Zavvi still maintains a web presents and continues to sell merchandise, lcothing DVDs, games, toys and homeware

Birthdays

Birthdays the stationery and greeting cards retailer became insolvent in 2009 and again in 2012 after Administrators Zolfo Cooper declared the company bankrupt. The company went into administration due to falling sales and demand for their products simultaneously. Birthdays became insolvent for two months in 2009 until Clinton Cards bought 180 stores, however in 2012 the company became permanently insolvent in 2012.

• Administrators: Zolfo Cooper
• Year Founded: 1966
• Total Number of Jobs Lost: 750
• Number of Retail Shops: 180
• Managing Director/CEO: Stuart Houlston

Allied Carpets

Allied Carpets the floor coverings retailer became insolvent in 2009 after Administrators Lazard (the investment bank) declared the company bankrupt. The company went into administration after falling sales due to the recession. In addition to this, the housing market was also moving at a slow pace meaning less household items were being bought. It was sold to Floors-2-go in 2012 as part of a pre-pack administration deal.

• Administrators: Lazard (the investment bank)
• Year Founded: 195os
• Total Number of Employees: 1,500
• Number of Jobs Lost: 41
• Number of Retail Shops: 217
• Managing Director/CEO: Ray Nethercott

...2019: Allied Carpets has disappeared from the retail world with no trace of it online or in bricks and mortar.

Threshers

Threshers (Owned by First Quench – traded as Threshers, Wine Rack, Haddows and The Local) the off-license retail chain became insolvent in 2009 after Administrators KPMG declared the company bankrupt. The company went into administration due to strong competition from the supermarket’s purchasing power combined with the credit crunch caused an extremely competitive market. The brand name was bought by Midlands-based newsagent, off-licence and convenience store operator Dave’s Discount Group.

• Administrators: KPMG
• Year Founded: 1898
• Total Number of Employees: 6,500
• Number of Jobs Lost: 6,300
• Number of Retail Shops: 1,300

…2019: The brand name is still operating online, offering a selection of wines, beers, spirits, champagnes and cigars.