Arcadia Group, the owners of Dorothy Perkins/Burton on the High St in Weston is on the brink of falling into administration, putting an unknown number of jobs at risk at its store in Weston.
The retail empire owned by Sir Philip Green, which owns the well known High St brands Dorothy Perkins, Topshop and Burton is preparing to appoint administrators as early as next week after seemingly failing in talks to secure a £30m loan from its lenders.
There is hope that jobs can be saved with the likelihood that some or all of these well known brands will be purchased by more financially stable competitors. Arcadia Group employs around 13,000. however most of the group's employees have had their wages subsidised by the taxpayer this year under the government's furlough scheme and depending upon the outcome of the insolvency process, a substantial proportion of those jobs will be jeopardised.
Cllr Mark Canniford, North Somerset Council's Executive member for economy and community safety and Mayor of Weston said "This is a hugely disappointing news and it seems we go from one retail crisis to another. If the store closes there will be a big gap left in the clothing market in the town so lets hope independent operators pick up the opportunity it would create. If anyone wishes to take the challenge of running their own business, please talk to the business team at North Somerset Council.
The towns branch was contacted but declined to comment.
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