Carpetright collapse sees Isle of Wight store closed

Found on Taylor Road, the Island’s only showroom was a well known fixture at the Gunville Trading Estate.

But several jobs have been lost at the Island outlet after the company collapsed, with Carpetright’s biggest rival Tapi snapping up the chain’s brand, with more than a fifth of its stores set to close.

A poster has been placed on the door at the Island store.

Carpetright notice at the store in Gunville (Image: IWCP)

READ MORE: Island's only Carpetright store at risk as company sits on brink of collapse

The flooring retailer has acquired Carpetright’s intellectual property, two warehouses and 54 of its stores, which Tapi said will save 308 jobs and enable it to expand into a number of areas it "does not currently serve".

However, the deal will result in more than 1,000 job losses across the UK and "not save the majority of the business", including its head office in Purfleet, Essex, say administrators PwC.

"We are desperately sad not to have been able to save more of the business and customer orders," say Tapi.

"However, as we looked into the details of the situation, we quickly established that saving the entire business was unviable.

"Carpetright has been materially loss-making for a number of years and it has significant debt, held by the owner.

"We believe we were the only offer the administrator received, that saved a large number of roles.

"We were also mindful of how the Competition and Markets Authority may view a larger deal."

For existing Island customers, there is a helpful link of frequently asked questions.

Tapi is also offering support to employees made redundant by funding a service providing free employment workshops, covering CV preparation, interview skills and job search strategies.

"We have also contacted as many retailers as possible to help introduce affected Carpetright staff to new roles," Tapi added.

Carpetright, which is owned by Nestware Holdings, suffered a major cyberattack in April which halted trading.

It also saw a decline in demand for carpets, as homeowners switch to hard flooring.