Nottingham's Joules store appears to have been saved from closure as part of a nationwide rescue deal involving the retail giant Next. Joules announced last month that it had gone into administration due to factors including cost of living pressures and the ongoing impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
But Next, along with the Joules founder Tom Joule, has now announced a deal which means that 100 Joules stores will remain open - including in Nottingham. The deal does still mean the closure of 19 stores, which will come into effect on Thursday (December 8).
Tom Joule said: "After three years away from the operational side, I'm truly looking forward to inspiring teams with clear direction to excite and recapture the imagination of the customer again. I'm so pleased that we have been able to strike a deal that protects the future of the company for all its loyal customers and its employees."
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A total of 1,450 jobs have been saved as a result of the rescue deal, which will entail Next owning 74% of the business and Tom Joule owning the remaining 26%. Will Wright, joint administrator and head of restructuring at Interpath, said: "We are pleased to have concluded this transaction, which secures the future of this great British brand, as well as safeguarding a significant number of jobs.
“To have achieved this in such a short timetable is testament to the support we’ve received from employees, suppliers and other key stakeholders throughout the administration process, so we’d like to express our profound thanks to everyone involved." The 19 stores that will still be closing are based in locations including Exeter, Peterborough and Watford.
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