Companies That You Expect to Disappear Soon

[jfollows]

The problem is that to enforce the rules requires the council’s staff to visit twice, noting the registration numbers of the cars parked first time and comparing them later.
It’s too much bother. There are easier pickings elsewhere, so that’s where they go. No need to work too hard actually trying to enforce the harder rules.
As I say, once motorists work this out, they can play the system. I just happen to live on a “2 hours free, no return within whatever” street, and I see people parked all day and very rarely getting a ticket.
It’s true that prior to moving enforcement to the council, people parked all day with impunity, because the police couldn’t be bothered. Now it’s much as it ever was. Anyone using a bedroom at the front of the house has to put up with car noises and door slamming early in the morning.

£25 if ticketed once a month.
£170/quarter, or £57 a month in official car parks, but they are perhaps closer to the station.

 

[The exile]

The problem is that to enforce the rules requires the council’s staff to visit twice, noting the registration numbers of the cars parked first time and comparing them later.
It’s too much bother. There are easier pickings elsewhere, so that’s where they go. No need to work too hard actually trying to enforce the harder rules.
As I say, once motorists work this out, they can play the system. I just happen to live on a “2 hours free, no return within whatever” street, and I see people parked all day and very rarely getting a ticket.
It’s true that prior to moving enforcement to the council, people parked all day with impunity, because the police couldn’t be bothered. Now it’s much as it ever was. Anyone using a bedroom at the front of the house has to put up with car noises and door slamming early in the morning.

£25 if ticketed once a month.
£170/quarter, or £57 a month in official car parks, but they are perhaps closer to the station.

An excellent argument for introducing the parking disc. Set your own arrival time and display in the windscreen. Large fine for “post dating” your arrival time if caught.

 

[styles]

Anyone who needs to park all day in my area can work out that parking all day in “one hour, no return within two hours” on-street parking “enforced” by the local authority will be better off than paying for all-day parking, even though the rates for some of the latter have actually come down.

The level of enforcement for on-street free parking is negligible. Maybe a ticket once every month or so.

I used to live on a street where parking wardens came round every few hours.

Once every couple of months the police would come down with multiple tow trucks and seize vehicles with stolen blue badges in them. It was quite interesting coming home from work one time and speaking to the plod about what they were doing. Because of the cost of on street parking, stolen and inherited blue badges were being sold on an underground market for hundreds, sometimes thousands, of pounds.

 

[WesternLancer]

Denby have appointed administrators.

British ceramics firm Denby to appoint administrators

The famous company said rising costs had "squeezed the business financially".

www.bbc.co.uk

Sadly now moved to the next stage, still trading however, at least:

Pottery firm Denby appoints administrators in 'necessary step'

The 217-year-old firm says it appointed FRP Advisory as administrators on Tuesday.

www.bbc.co.uk

31 March 2026
Renowned pottery firm Denby has appointed administrators after it said it had struggled with rising costs in recent years.
The Derbyshire-based company filed a notice of intention to appoint administrators "as a precautionary measure" on 11 March.
The legal document protects a company from creditors for a short period, initially 10 business days, to either find a buyer, find an administrator, or enter liquidation.
The 217-year-old firm secured an extension, giving it a new deadline of 8 April to secure its future. However, on Tuesday, it said it had taken "the necessary step" of appointing administrators.
Earlier in March, the firm said reduced demand, "escalating" employment costs and "soaring" energy costs had "squeezed the business financially".
And Denby's CEO Sebastian Lazell previously told the BBC he was "trying to move heaven and earth" to save the business, but added he had to be realistic that there may not "be a happy ending".

From Denby's own website

Appointment of Administrators 31 March 2026​

The Denby group of companies in the UK filed a notice of intention to appoint administrators on 11th March 2026 following a period of challenging financial circumstances brought about by soaring costs and low consumer confidence. The notice of intention was filed as a precautionary measure, and to provide a period of stability and short-term protection while exploring a range of options to secure a strategic investment partner aligned with the long-term vision and values of its historic British brands and to allow the business to explore potential funding and restructuring solutions in an orderly manner.

In the weeks since the news the Denby group has been engaging extensively with its employees, customers, suppliers and retail partners, as well as with Government locally, regionally and nationally, along with advisers and potential investors to try to find solutions for all stakeholders. The news created extensive public support from all corners of the UK and beyond with many wanting to find ways to help, leading to Denby launching an important campaign #SaveDenby to mobilise this support and provide suggestions for the ways in which people could help. There has been unprecedented engagement with the campaign in just two weeks and it has worked to raise awareness amongst loyal buyers and those new to Denby and help keep the business operating. The outpouring of support has been overwhelming and deeply moving and the company would like to thank the public for sharing, commenting, lobbying and buying as part of its #SaveDenby campaign. But unfortunately, and despite Denby’s enduring global appeal and positive recent momentum the business has not yet been able to secure strategic investment partners to take the business forward and therefore has today taken the necessary step of appointing FRP Advisory as administrators effective the 31st March 2026. The same is true for Burgess & Leigh Ltd.

The business will now commence trading in administration managed by FRP Advisory as they seek to continue discussions with interested parties regarding a sale of some or all of the business and its brands. During this period Denby will continue to service orders placed online and through its stores and to supply its customers as normal. Denby’s international subsidiaries in Korea, the USA and China are not currently in administration and will continue to operate normally for now. Pressure remains on Government locally, regionally and nationally to step in to protect this important business and the wider industry before it is too late.

Tony Wright, joint administrator of the Denby Group and partner at FRP, said: “Denby is one of Britain’s most beloved and enduring pottery brands, with a heritage spanning more than two centuries and a loyal following across the UK and internationally. Its products are found in homes from Derbyshire to South Korea, and the Burleigh brand, produced by Burgess and Leigh, is equally cherished across the global hospitality and luxury sectors. While it is disappointing that the Group has been unable to secure the investment needed to continue as a going concern, the strength and recognition of these brands is undeniable. We are focused on progressing the sale process as quickly as possible, and we would encourage any interested parties to come forward without delay."

 

[High Dyke]

Sort of sad to see National Car Parks are in administration. While their sites are often overpriced and badly maintained, it’s another cornerstone of the High Street that’s in trouble.

Noticed my local station car parks now have Euro Car Parks signage with the NCP machines bagged over.

Elsewhere, Del Monte first announced issues in July 2025. It has seemingly found buyers, by March 2026, for the various assets. Whether that lasts remains to be seen.

 

[Bald Rick]

Elsewhere, Del Monte first announced issues in July 2025. It has seemingly found buyers, by March 2026, for the various assets.

Evidently, someone said “yes”

 

[Jimini]

Evidently, someone said “yes”

I see what you did there

 

[Techniquest]

I see what you did there

As did I. It brightened up my morning for sure

 

[Strat-tastic]

Evidently, someone said “yes”

Some bloke from somewhere....

 

[Snow1964]

Rumours going around in Trowbridge that the bed manufacturer Airsprung and Gainsborough is likely to go into administration

 

[Hbbz9392]

The French supermarket chain Carrefour. It seems to be badly affected by the disappearance of the middle-class. It’s shrinking globally. They recently got out of Turkey and sold thousands of stores to competitors in Romania.

 

[dgl]

Southern Co-Op are looking to merge with the main Co-Op stores as without doing so they will go bust. They have been loosing money for three years and can't get any more capital to shore up the business.

Here is an extract from a members email I was sent,

A member update from our Chair & CEO:

Over the past week, we have seen a number of conversations online about the proposed merger with Co-op Group. We understand why, this is your Society, and you care about its future.

However, we are concerned that some of what is being shared does not reflect the full picture so we want to provide you with a clear and open update on the situation.

Southern Co-op has made losses for the past three years. Over the last year, trading has become more difficult, and we have relied on ongoing support from our banks and suppliers to continue operating. That support cannot now be increased within the time available.

To continue trading without a merger, we would need a significant level of financial support and we have not received any offers of funding at that level.

We know many members are asking whether there is another option. We have asked the same question ourselves, repeatedly, over recent months. The honest answer is that there is no solvent alternative available to us now which we could deliver in the time frame and without exposing the business to a much greater risk, and it's important that we are clear about what this means.

If the merger does not go ahead, the most likely outcome is that Southern Co-op will enter insolvency through administration. This would put jobs at risk, lead to the loss of stores and negatively impact our suppliers.

This is not a position we ever wanted to be in. Like you, we believe strongly in the value of an independent co-operative, and we have explored every realistic option to protect that.

However, our responsibility now is to be open about the situation and to act in a way that protects as much as possible for our members, colleagues, communities and supply chains.

That is why we are recommending the merger with Co-op Group.

It is not an easy decision, but it is the one that protects more jobs, more services, and more value for members than any other option available to us today.

We understand this is a lot to take in, and you may have questions. We encourage you to read the full information available and to get in touch if there is anything you would like to ask.

Thank you for taking the time to consider this and please remember, that as a valued Southern Co-op member, your vote matters.

Janet Paraskeva & Ben Stimson

 

[swt_passenger]

In the Times, (paywalled) they’re predicting massive closures and hoping for major rent reductions for remaining stores run by the successors to WH Smith, TG Jones.

 

[The exile]

In the Times, (paywalled) they’re predicting massive closures and hoping for major rent reductions for remaining stores run by the successors to WH Smith, TG Jones.

Well - no one saw that coming!

 

[Towers]

Well - no one saw that coming!

How long do we think the brand will last? Maybe they’ll see out 2026, if they’re still going in any capacity at the end of ‘27 they’ll have done better than might be expected currently!

Hardly a surprise sadly, I went into a store this afternoon and until I’d read this thread I had completely forgotten that it wasn’t still WH Smith - nothing appears to have changed in any way whatsoever. If you buy the rapidly failing high street arm of a retailer and then change so little that the casual shopper wouldn’t even realise it isn’t still the same company, you can surely only expect one outcome. A most bizarre strategy.

 

[Uncle Buck]

How long do we think the brand will last? Maybe they’ll see out 2026, if they’re still going in any capacity at the end of ‘27 they’ll have done better than might be expected currently!

Hardly a surprise sadly, I went into a store this afternoon and until I’d read this thread I had completely forgotten that it wasn’t still WH Smith - nothing appears to have changed in any way whatsoever. If you buy the rapidly failing high street arm of a retailer and then change so little that the casual shopper wouldn’t even realise it isn’t still the same company, you can surely only expect one outcome. A most bizarre strategy.

They could have maybe- it’s a very, very big maybe- have got somewhere if they rebranded the company completely, trying to project a more modern image. Instead they pretty much kept the failing brand going, using a name which is effectively a pastiche- and into the bargain, is a mouthful to say!

But to be honest anyone who takes over a newsagent chain in this day and age is asking for trouble.

 

[Ashley Hill]

TBH WHS/TG Jones cater for a market which is no longer there. You no longer see people lurking around the magazines reading them or buying newspapers.
My local WHS has a very limited range of books, other than best sellers. Non-fiction is hardly catered for, especially with railway books which are essentially a few token books.
Arty stuff is stocked by The Works.
I think WHSmith has had its day. Only those who have aligned with the Post Office may survive a a slow lingering death a bit longer.

 

[Andyh82]

It’s sad that all these legacy shops are failing. That’s why so many high streets are just coffee shops, vape shops, phone shops.

It’ll no doubt also have an effect on many specialist magazines including railway ones. There will be many that are only available on subscription. Even railway WHSmiths often don’t dedicate much space to magazines, some stores are tiny.

 

[WesternLancer]

It’s sad that all these legacy shops are failing. That’s why so many high streets are just coffee shops, vape shops, phone shops.

It’ll no doubt also have an effect on many specialist magazines including railway ones. There will be many that are only available on subscription. Even railway WHSmiths often don’t dedicate much space to magazines, some stores are tiny.

Yes. Nowhere else will really have a wide choice of railway or other specialist magazines to browse and choose from.
Hard to see how you would get to know of their existence to start buying them regularly.

Well I suppose they could buy advertising space on railforums. More relevant than most of the banner ads I see here that seem to target me.

 

[brad465]

Claire has gone, and taken all her accessories with her:

Claire's closes all 154 stores in UK and Ireland with loss of 1,300 jobs

All of the chain's standalone stores have stopped trading in the UK and Ireland.

www.bbc.co.uk

All Claire's standalone stores in the UK and Ireland have stopped trading after the accessories chain's financial woes saw it fall into administration twice in a year.
Administrators Kroll said 154 stores have shut and more than 1,300 staff have been "notified of redundancy", though its 350 concessions and its European stores will remain open.
Known for its colourful shop fronts and racks of jewellery, bracelets and its ear piercing services, the brand's bright purple branding was a familiar sight for millions of teens during a Saturday shop.
But it suffered in the face of competition from cheaper, online brands such as Shein and Temu.
Changing consumer tastes also spelled the death knell for the retailer, which has struggled like many High Street firms.
Kroll said: "As of 27 April, all Claire's standalone stores in UK and Ireland have ceased trading. All store employees have been advised of redundancy."
Its previous owners, Modella Capital, said in January that part of the reason it had to put Claire's into administration was "alarming" low Christmas trading that left it in a "vulnerable" position.
It also blamed the climate on the High Street, which it said "remains extremely challenging", adding that government policy had caused a tough trading environment by raising staffing costs such as National Insurance Contributions.

 

[Backroom_boy]

Claire has gone, and taken all her accessories with her:

Claire's closes all 154 stores in UK and Ireland with loss of 1,300 jobs

All of the chain's standalone stores have stopped trading in the UK and Ireland.

www.bbc.co.uk

Previous owner Modella Capital; have they made a success of anything they've purchased or are they just extracting what they can out of failing businesses before they finally fail?

 

[SuspectUsual]

Previous owner Modella Capital; have they made a success of anything they've purchased or are they just extracting what they can out of failing businesses before they finally fail?

Well, they killed off The Original Factory Shop and they're making a fine job of running TG Jones into the ground.

On the other hand they bought Crafter's Companion, restructured it, got it profitable, and sold it on

And I think they were involved in Hobbycraft, but they seem to lurch from crisis to crisis

 

[The exile]

TBH WHS/TG Jones cater for a market which is no longer there. You no longer see people lurking around the magazines reading them or buying newspapers.
My local WHS has a very limited range of books, other than best sellers. Non-fiction is hardly catered for, especially with railway books which are essentially a few token books.
Arty stuff is stocked by The Works.
I think WHSmith has had its day. Only those who have aligned with the Post Office may survive a a slow lingering death a bit longer.

The various markets are still there (and, what’s more) - it’s just that Smith’s /Jones’ (Alas!) don’t serve any of them particularly well - about their only USP (or rather UnonSP) is being a fairly shoddy collection of over priced stuff that doesn’t actually include what you’re looking for.

 

[Tetragon213]

The various markets are still there (and, what’s more) - it’s just that Smith’s /Jones’ (Alas!) don’t serve any of them particularly well - about their only USP (or rather UnonSP) is being a fairly shoddy collection of over priced stuff that doesn’t actually include what you’re looking for.

Well, that and being in places where you form an unwilling captive audience.

For example, being in airports or railway stations where you don't typically have the option to leave for a cheaper shop (especially past security, where they helpfully confiscate your drinks), or where you don't have 15 minutes to pop into a cheaper nearby alternative before your train departs.

 

[The exile]

Well, that and being in places where you form an unwilling captive audience.

For example, being in airports or railway stations where you don't typically have the option to leave for a cheaper shop (especially past security, where they helpfully confiscate your drinks), or where you don't have 15 minutes to pop into a cheaper nearby alternative before your train departs.

Although their “travel” outlets - stations, airports and m-way services- have for years seemed to me less shoddy and unloved than the high street stores I know.

 

[sprunt]

Although their “travel” outlets - stations, airports and m-way services- have for years seemed to me less shoddy and unloved than the high street stores I know.

Twice as overpriced though.

 

[The exile]

Twice as overpriced though.

Maybe - but I suspect many people blame the location for that rather than the company.

 

[35B]

Maybe - but I suspect many people blame the location for that rather than the company.

Once, yes - but not now given that the high street business ("TG Smith") has been divorced from the travel business ("WH Smith"). The way that WH Smith had to reduce the price to get rid of the high street business tells me all I need to know about its long term future

 

[MP33]

I have one of the remaining Wimpy Bars, where I live. It had flags and posters out, for a special offer, this afternoon. There appeared to be a number of people going inside for lunch.

There was another one, a few miles away. That announced it was closing, due to the retirement of the Franchise holder. I wonder if Wimpy will just fade away, rather than abruptly cease trading.

 

[dgl]

Claire has gone, and taken all her accessories with her:

Claire's closes all 154 stores in UK and Ireland with loss of 1,300 jobs

All of the chain's standalone stores have stopped trading in the UK and Ireland.

www.bbc.co.uk

The problems with Claire's seemed to be that you got poorer quality jewelery, that wasn't all that cheap, that you can now just get online from places like Temu even cheaper, though I suppose the Claire's stuff at least had to pass some safety inspections.
Also at a time when getting multiple piercings, or piercings other than just the ears Claire's could have had a good business, but friends don't let friends get piercings done at Claire's. A chair in one corner of the shop and a piercing gun is not the same as a dedicated room, proper medical seat/bed and proper piercing needles.

When I had my septum done at a proper piercing place you had an employee (possibly owner) who was properly trained and had certificates on show for all the various piercings she was trained in. There was restrictions on the type of jewellery allowed, the jewelry and needle were sterilised in front of you and everything was talked through properly, even advising not to go in open water whilst it heals. A lot more expensive than somewhere like Claire's but it's more expensive for a reason.