Missguided tumbles into administration as rising costs bite

The fast-fashion retailer has appointed Teneo Financial Advisory to handle the process and seek a rescue deal.

Missguided has crumbled under the weight of increased supply chain challenges and costs, inflationary pressures and muted consumer spending as confidence waned in the face of the cost-of-living crisis.

The etailer drafted in administrators after it was issued with a winding-up petition by its suppliers, who have not been paid in months.

Missguided will continue to trade while Teneo battles to secure a sale of the business and its assets.

Last week, online fast-fashion rival Boohoo emerged as a front-runner to rescue Missguided, but other fashion retailers including JD Sports and Asos are also in the running.

Missguided revealed that it was looking for a buyer in April, as founder and chief executive Nitin Passi stepped down from his role.

This is the second time Missguided has entered troubled waters – it was saved from collapse last December when retail investor Alteri, backed by investment firm Apollo, snapped up a 50% stake in the business.

Teneo senior managing director Gavin Maher said: “As we continue to see, the retail trading environment in the UK remains extremely challenging.

“The joint administrators will now seek to conclude a sale of the business and assets, for which there continues to be a high level of interest from a number of strategic buyers. We thank all employees and other key stakeholders for their support at this difficult time.”

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