Allders in talks with 'suitors'

Administrators say customers are rallying behind the store

More than 30 parties have expressed an interest in Allders after the UK department store group put itself into administration on Wednesday.

High Street retailers and investment vehicles are among those who have made approaches, administrators Kroll said.

Debenhams and discount chain Primark are thought to be among the suitors for all or part of the group.

Despite a management shake-up two years ago, the 45-strong chain of stores has continued to rack up losses.

Kroll said the position on the company pension scheme, which has 3,200 members and an estimated £60m (£113m) liability, was still being investigated.

The long-term future of the company's 5,700 employees is also at risk.

Sales up

Allders' owners, the property group Minerva, put the chain up for sale last month but failed to secure a buyer.

Kroll's advice for customers Those who have already paid deposits are asked to contact the store. If the product is available, they will get it once any outstanding amount is paid. If not in stock, administrators hope customers will use their deposits to buy something else.

The group's stores are currently trading as normal, said Andrew Pepper from Kroll.

Like-for-like sales this week on fashion were up by 40% and on light household goods were up by a quarter, compared with the same period a year ago.

This may be "symptomatic of Allders' customers rallying behind the brand", Mr Pepper added.

Kroll said it had also gained the support of two-thirds of the companies who operate concessions within Allders' stores., including flooring products retailer Carpetright.