Four TJ Hughes stores sold to Lewis’s Home Retail
Ernst & Young, the administrators of failed discount department store chain TJ Hughes have reached an agreement to sell the company’s flagship Liverpool store and the stores in Eastbourne, Glasgow and Sheffield.
The deal, which could save around 440 jobs, will see all the business, assets and staff of the four stores transfer to Lewis’s Home Retail Limited, a company the administrators have said is ‘associated with’ the Benross Group.
Liverpool based Benross supplies housewares, electrical, lighting, toys and leisure products to retailers across the UK and Lewis’s is its retail arm.
Joint Administrator Tom Jack said: “We are delighted to have exchanged contracts on this deal, which saves 442 jobs and continues the TJ Hughes legacy in Liverpool, as well as in other locations across the UK.”
John Gorle, National Officer for the Usdaw union, said: “This looks like great news for everyone employed at the four stores being sold and I’m sure the saving of TJ’s flagship store will be particularly welcome news in Liverpool.”
“The administrators will be giving us more detail about the sale tomorrow and I will be seeking a meeting with Lewis’s Home Retail at the earliest opportunity.”
However, Usdaw said it was becoming increasingly concerned about the future of the company’s remaining 53 stores for which the administrators have still not found buyers.
