| Type | Private (Ltd) |
|---|---|
| Industry | Retail |
| Fate | Administration |
| Founded | Liverpool, England |
| Headquarters | Knowsley, Liverpool |
| Products | Clothing |
| Website | www.ethelaustin.co.uk |
Ethel Austin is a British clothing retailer with a UK-wide network of more than 60 stores, though before it entered administration in 2010 it had over 300.
Founded in 1934 by Ethel Austin in the front room of her terraced house in Liverpool, the company has had customer service at the very top of its list of priorities. Ethel was so good at helping neighbours with their knitting that within five years of going into business she had opened three shops.
In June 2002, the Austin family sold the business to a management team backed by Lloyds TSB Development Capital (LDC) for £55 million. Less than two years later, ABN-AMRO Capital bought the business for £122.5 million.
In mid-2007, it was announced that the company had won the contract to supply uniforms for the Liverpool - European City of Culture 2008 event. In November 2007, the company ran new adverts on British television, which used the BodyRockers song "I Like the Way (You Move)".
On 15 April 2008, Ethel Austin Ltd went into administration. Administrator Menzies Corporate Restructuring said it hoped to find a buyer for the company.[1] The following day, it was announced that 33 stores would be closed within 3 weeks with 275 job losses. It was also announced that 181 employees had been made redundant at the company head office and distribution centre at Knowsley, Merseyside. It has since been noted that only 12 of the original 33 stores earmarked for closure are closing with the rest remaining open.
On 19 May 2008, it was reported that Elaine McPherson, former boss of clothing chain MK One, had bought the company for an undisclosed sum, promising to return it to its 'former glory'.[2]
On 8 February 2010, it was reported that the chain had gone into administration again.[3] On 10 February 2010 administrators announced that there would be 496 job cuts in the company's head office and distribution depot: it was anticipated that there would also be 196 store closures, resulting in further job losses.
On 19 August 2011 it was revealed that Sue Townsend had purchased the company and it will retain its remaining 62 stores, saving over 400 jobs.[4]