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Last TJ Hughes stores will leave the region

The last North East-based TJ Hughes department stores still trading in administration will close next week.

Administrator Ernst & Young reportedly said it had been unable to find a buyer for the remaining shops, and closing down sales will commence ahead of their last day of trading on August 31.

A total of 263 jobs throughout the UK will be lost when they close.

TJ’s was placed into administration by its board on June 30, after suffering continued trading losses.

The business had debts of £433.5m - with only a handful of secured creditors likely to receive anything.

TJ’s had 57 stores around the UK, employing 3,497 staff.

When the final stores close next week, only six of the original portfolio will remain after a £1.65m takeover by Speke-based retailer and importer Benross Group rescued the sites and jobs.

Benross managing director Anil Juneja bought the stores as part of a plan to revive the chain’s name.

Mr Juneja’s other stores are situated in Newcastle as well as Sheffield and Glasgow.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .