The future of All Saints was in the balance as Retail Week went to press.

The fashion retailer was at the centre of speculation that emergency funding was needed to stave off crisis, and owner Kevin Stanford was embroiled in controversy over the dispute with Icelandic bank Kaupthing, which backed the retailer, over share dealings in the run-up to the financial crash.

A source familiar with the situation said that “clarity” on All Saints was likely soon, and hinted that new investment - thought to be between £50m and £100m - would be won.

However, others said several potential investors, including private equity houses, have turned down the opportunity to put in money.

The retailer has grown rapidly in recent years and pushed into the US, but some observers fear it may have expanded too quickly. No comment was available from All Saints.

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