Coronavirus: Cath Kidston closes all stores permanently

Cath Kidston confirmed its shops will not reopen once the coronavirus lockdown is over after it fell into administration.

The chain operated stores in North Street in Brighton, Gatwick Airport, and South Street in Chichester.

Now owners Baring Private Equity Asia have secured a deal to buy back the online business, brand and wholesale arm from administrators Alvarez and Marsal.

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Cath Kidston chief executive Melinda Paraie said it was an "extremely difficult day" for the 908 staff who will lose their jobs.

Cath Kidston's Chichester store will close alongside 59 others

"Despite our very best efforts, against the backdrop of Covid-19, we were unable to secure a solvent sale of the business which would have allowed us to avoid administration and carry on trading in our current form," she said.

"I would like to thank all our employees for their hard work, loyalty and patience over the last few weeks as we worked through this process."

A spokesman for Baring Private Equity Asia said it was pleased to secure the fashion firm's future.

"Going forward we will continue to help the company grow through its e-commerce platform and international wholesale and franchise businesses," he said.

"We would like to thank Melinda and the company's management team for their hard work in managing through this difficult economic crisis and establishing a viable future for the business in the UK."

• At The Argus, we are championing the work of traders during the coronavirus pandemic as part of our #BackingSussexBusiness campaign. We are always interested to hear how the community is coming together in this crisis. If you know of a local business battling to do all it can in these tough times and/or offering support to the local community, please get in touch at laurie.churchman@theargus.co.uk and rose.lock@theargus.co.uk.