Continuing the Carpetright-Tapi saga, it has now come to light Carpetright has collapsed with debts totalling around £80 million, affecting suppliers, customers, and landlords. Specifically, £24 million was owed to suppliers, £30.9 million to 'other creditors', including customers, and additional debts amounted to £15.6 million. These figures are expected to be confirmed by administrator PwC.
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Following the collapse, Tapi took over 54 Carpetright stores and acquired intellectual property rights, including the Carpetright and Harris Carpets brands. This acquisition preserved 308 jobs; however, 218 other branches, including concessions, will not reopen, resulting in the loss of 1,018 jobs. The company's head office will also close as operations wind down.
Tapi has committed to providing free employment workshops for affected Carpetright staff, covering skills like CV preparation and job searching. There have been reports of staff not being paid for June and July. For customers with outstanding orders at the stores taken over by Tapi, those who paid by cash or debit card will have their deposits honoured, while those who paid by credit card or finance must seek refunds under Section 75 and place new orders. Customers with orders from now-closed stores will be considered unsecured creditors unless they can secure a Section 75 refund. Fitters associated with Carpetright will also be treated as creditors.
Source: www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk