Five Carpetright stores in south London have closed permanently after the company went into administration. The closure of these stores was due to tough trading conditions and a decrease in home improvement spending after the pandemic.
Tapi Carpets and Floors Limited has stepped in to save the Carpetright brand, along with its intellectual property and 54 stores. This move will safeguard the jobs of 308 employees and allow Tapi to expand into new areas.
Unfortunately, over 200 Carpetright stores across the UK have closed as a result of the administration. The south London stores that are now permanently closed include Bromley, Croydon (within Furniture Village), Dartford, Streatham, and Sutton.
On the other hand, Tapi has taken over several south London stores, including Clapham Common, Croydon (Purley Way), New Malden, Teddington, and Wimbledon. These stores will continue to operate under the Carpetright brand.
For employees facing redundancy, Tapi has provided support through Clarity Recruiting. This includes free employment workshops on CV writing, interview skills, and job search strategies to help them secure new roles.
In a statement on the Carpetright website, the company expressed sadness over not being able to save more of the business. However, due to the significant losses and debt, it was not feasible to save the entire business. Tapi’s offer was the only one that saved a large number of jobs, and considerations were made regarding competition regulations.
It’s worth noting that any UK-based Carpetright stores not mentioned in the closure list have reopened. These stores will continue to operate under the Carpetright brand for the time being.
The closure of these stores serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by retailers in the current economic climate. As consumer preferences shift and spending habits change, businesses must adapt to survive. Tapi’s intervention has provided a lifeline for some employees and customers, ensuring that the Carpetright brand continues to have a presence in the market.