Jobs threatened at homeware chain

Many retailers have struggled as consumer spending has declined

About 400 jobs are at risk following the news that homeware retail chain The Pier has gone into administration.

The company, which employs 57 people at its head office in Abingdon, Oxfordshire, got into difficulties as a result of "harsh trading conditions".

The group, which was founded in the UK in 1989, has 31 stores and 17 concessions across the UK.

Joint administrators at Mazars said the retailer would trade as normal while a buyer was found for the business.

Rod Weston, partner at Mazars and joint administrator, said: "The company has encountered difficulties due to the harsh trading conditions associated with the current economic climate.

"While in administration, the business will continue to trade as normal. We are now reviewing options and are seeking a buyer for the business as a going concern."