MFI store closure confirmed

MFI have confirmed that their Rochdale store is to close down. Rochdale Online reported three weeks ago that the store would soon close down. MFI's administrators, Kroll, have confirmed that a purchaser has not been found for the Rochdale store and a wind-down has commenced.

A similar fate awaits 80 other stores nationwide, while 106 will be saved after a company buyout and business restructure.

Fraser Gray, Partner at Kroll’s Corporate Advisory & Restructuring Group, commented: “At this stage, we have not been able to complete sales of the remaining stores. Therefore, in order to maximise the realisation of assets, a wind-down process has commenced while we continue to seek purchasers for those remaining stores.

“All employees have been made aware of the situation and we are grateful for their ongoing understanding and support throughout the Administration process.”

MFI placed an advert in some national newspapers advertising an 80% sale at stores that are to closedown. The advert listed the North West stores that are to close and the Rochdale store was one of the ones listed.

Rochdale MP Paul Rowen has been angered by the closure.

He said: "This really is a sign of the times and I am disappointed that people in Rochdale and Oldham will lose their jobs as a result of this cherry-picking of sites.

"I am disappointed that neither Rochdale nor Oldham will play any part in the restructuring of the business.

"In a week when National Statistics showed the biggest rise in unemployment for 17 years, this closure is devastating for Rochdale. I feel for anyone who is losing their jobs. I shall be contacting Job Centre Plus and the Council to find out what support they will be giving to those who have lost their jobs."