The fashion chain Quiz has closed its branch in Churchill Square, Brighton, after going bust.
The store is one of 23 to close in the wake of the high street retailer’s insolvency, leading to the loss of about 200 jobs.
The company hired insolvency practitioner Teneo as administrator to Zandra, its subsidiary business, which ran its shops – previously more than 60 of them including concessions – in Britain and Ireland.
Quiz was hit by a downturn in consumer demand, with disappointing sales over the key Christmas period, although a trading statement in early December showed that revenues were down.
The brand was bought in a “pre-pack” insolvency deal by a subsidiary of the founding Ramzan family which has enabled the new owner, Orion, save 42 of its shops.
But the administrators closed 23 shops which were deemed “loss-making or unsustainable” by the new owner including the branch in Brighton.
Quiz chief executive Sheraz Ramzan said: “The board took the difficult decision to appoint administrators to Zandra Retail Limited in light of the continuing challenging trading conditions impacting the group’s performance.
“We are deeply sorry to those affected by the store closures, including our retail colleagues.
“However, this decision will put the business in a more sustainable footing for the future and protect several hundred jobs as a result.”
