Jobs fear as fashion chain hits problems

11:43am Thursday 14th February 2013 in Local

MORE retail workers in Bolton face uncertainty after fashion chain Republic went into administration yesterday.

The Leeds-based company has a store in the Market Place shopping centre, which is one of 120 under threat along with 2,500 staff, mainly in the north of England. It is understood the Bolton shop employs eight staff who declined to comment on the situation.

Workers were informed yesterday and accountancy firm Ernst & Young is handling the administration.

Young people’s lack of spare cash and unemployment are being blamed for the chain’s problems, along with fierce competition.

Republic is the latest high street retailer to face administration, following HMV, Jessops, Comet and Blockbuster this year.

However HMV has survived as a smaller network and Ernst & Young hopes to keep Republic as a going concern.

Shops will continue to trade, although 150 head office staff in Leeds have already been redundant.

Hunter Kelly, one of the newly-appointed administrators at Ernst & Young, said: “Republic has a powerful website, owns wellknown brand names and has some very attractive, profitable stores.”

He said Republic had poor autumn business although it picked up in December.

However there had been a sudden, rapid decline in sales in late January.

He added: “The impact on cashflows has resulted in the business being unable to continue to operate outside of an insolvency process.

Unfortunately, it has been necessary to make 150 employees at the head off-ice in Leeds redundant.

We will continue to trade Rep-ublic, with a view to selling the business as a going concern. The Republic brand is well recognised, particularly in the north.

“We are grateful for the continued support of all employees and customers during this time, and would like to thank everyone at Republic for their commitment and hard work as the business continues to trade.”

Republic began selling denim clothing in Leeds in 1986 and has grown to supply both men and women.

Comments (7)

12:27pm Thu 14 Feb 13

boltonnut says...

If Republic are using places like the market place then thats the reason they are going boobs up,no brainer.As for young peoples lack of spare cash that's a load of poo.All their( spare cash) goes to pubs &clubs.
If Republic are using places like the market place then thats the reason they are going boobs up,no brainer.As for young peoples lack of spare cash that's a load of poo.All their( spare cash) goes to pubs &clubs. boltonnut

5:30pm Thu 14 Feb 13

Bob Shaftoe says...

Boltonnob you really are a cynical old git. 8 people losing their livelihoods here and all you can come up with snide remarks about Bolton town centre and how people spend their cash. You're predictable and rather tiresome.
Boltonnob you really are a cynical old git. 8 people losing their livelihoods here and all you can come up with snide remarks about Bolton town centre and how people spend their cash. You're predictable and rather tiresome. Bob Shaftoe

5:57pm Thu 14 Feb 13

grimtown says...

Bob Shaftoe wrote:
Boltonnob you really are a cynical old git. 8 people losing their livelihoods here and all you can come up with snide remarks about Bolton town centre and how people spend their cash. You're predictable and rather tiresome.
you see bolton council wanted all the big names in bolton at the expense of small retailors with better cash flow and ability to adapt to the economy quicker.

Now bolton stores seem to be the first to be culled in any restructure of businesss.

Because bolton town center is lossing business hand over fist to bury wigan manchester because it offers ne leisure facilities in the town centre.

Great will entertain the kids at olympus chip shop all afternoon Mr " I Can't see ****" Morris & Mr Keith "Its great" Davies
[quote][p][bold]Bob Shaftoe[/bold] wrote: Boltonnob you really are a cynical old git. 8 people losing their livelihoods here and all you can come up with snide remarks about Bolton town centre and how people spend their cash. You're predictable and rather tiresome.[/p][/quote]you see bolton council wanted all the big names in bolton at the expense of small retailors with better cash flow and ability to adapt to the economy quicker. Now bolton stores seem to be the first to be culled in any restructure of businesss. Because bolton town center is lossing business hand over fist to bury wigan manchester because it offers ne leisure facilities in the town centre. Great will entertain the kids at olympus chip shop all afternoon Mr " I Can't see ****" Morris & Mr Keith "Its great" Davies grimtown

6:33pm Thu 14 Feb 13

Bob Shaftoe says...

Mr Grim you appear to be another with a big chip on your shoulder. Bolton has its problems without doubt, but is still a better shopping destination than Bury. As for Wigan; empty arcades, no decent market but they do have Galloways pies mmm.....delicious!
Mr Grim you appear to be another with a big chip on your shoulder. Bolton has its problems without doubt, but is still a better shopping destination than Bury. As for Wigan; empty arcades, no decent market but they do have Galloways pies mmm.....delicious! Bob Shaftoe

5:41pm Fri 15 Feb 13

Chrome1 says...

Told you that republic will go under. It was in my list of three. The next two are Wilkinson and Beales. You heard it hear first folks.
Told you that republic will go under. It was in my list of three. The next two are Wilkinson and Beales. You heard it hear first folks. Chrome1

2:19pm Sat 16 Feb 13

Hough64 says...

Bob Shaftoe wrote:
Boltonnob you really are a cynical old git. 8 people losing their livelihoods here and all you can come up with snide remarks about Bolton town centre and how people spend their cash. You're predictable and rather tiresome.
Hes horrible. Just because hes ready to pop his clogs he thinks its ok to spout his vile opinions on here. Hopefully we will have some peace soon.
[quote][p][bold]Bob Shaftoe[/bold] wrote: Boltonnob you really are a cynical old git. 8 people losing their livelihoods here and all you can come up with snide remarks about Bolton town centre and how people spend their cash. You're predictable and rather tiresome.[/p][/quote]Hes horrible. Just because hes ready to pop his clogs he thinks its ok to spout his vile opinions on here. Hopefully we will have some peace soon. Hough64

7:59pm Sat 16 Feb 13

steveG says...

Looks like Bolton folk are voting with their feet.
From the offset the Council were told to retain the ethos of the old market hall which was local traders.Unfortunatel
y they didn't listen and the consequences are there for all to see.
Peoples shopping habits have changed and those that do go out are frequenting Bury,Manchester the Reebok etc..
Looks like Bolton folk are voting with their feet. From the offset the Council were told to retain the ethos of the old market hall which was local traders.Unfortunatel y they didn't listen and the consequences are there for all to see. Peoples shopping habits have changed and those that do go out are frequenting Bury,Manchester the Reebok etc.. steveG

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