Major UK vogue model vulnerable to closure as all workers and shops underneath menace – full record

LK Bennett could be set to disappear from the high street for good despite a sucessful rescue deal in a deal that saw the intellectual property secured . . . but not the stores.

A major name in UK fashion is at risk of closing all stores and sacking every member of staff. LK Bennett, founded in 1990 by Linda Bennett, brought high-end style to the high street.

Best known for pioneering the modern kitten heel, the brand is now the go-to for vibrant, feminine dresses and sharp tailoring – a reliable favourite of the Princess of Wales for effortless elegance . . . apparently.

However, it could be set to disappear from the high street for good despite a sucessful rescue deal. Last week, LK Bennett was bought by the Gordon Brothers, in a deal that saw the intellectual property secured . . . but not the stores.

The brand has around 13 concessiopns and nine stores, with 89 members of staff contained within them – however it has now been claimed by Drapers that they will only trade for “up to three months,” with their future after that as yet unclear.

John Noon, joint administrator and senior director at Alvarez & Marsal, told Drapers: “Our intention is to continue to trade the remaining portfolio of stores and via the concession partners for a period of up to three months. its heritage of craftsmanship and quality for which it has been historically renowned,” he added.

This is the second rescue of the brand, after it was bought out of administration in 2019 by Chinese investors, but it made a £3.5m net loss in 2023 having made a £1.8m profit the year prior.

A full list of stores under threat is:

1. Bluewater shopping centre
2. Canary Wharf
3. Chester
4. Duke of York Square, Chelsea
5. Harrogate
6. Knightsbridge
7. New Bond Street
8. Richmond
9. Westfield White City

Concessions under threat of closing:

1. Arnotts, Dublin
2. Bentalls shopping centre, Kingston
3. Brown Thomas, Dublin
4. De Gruchy, Jersey
5. Hoopers, Tunbridge Wells
6. Hoopers, Wimslow
7. Jarrolds, Norwich
8. John Lewis, Edinburgh
9. John Lewis, High Wycombe
10. John Lewis, Oxford Street, London
11. John Lewis, Manchester
12. John Lewis, Oxford
13. John Lewis, Cheadle

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