Furnitureland goes into administration

Furnitureland has become the latest furniture retailer to go into administration.

Administrators from Ernst and Young were appointed yesterday. All stores are closed today, but will re-open tomorrow until October 5 to deal with existing customer orders, although they will not be accepting new business. Customers who have placed orders are being asked to contact the store where they made their purchase.

Alan Hudson, one of the joint administrators, said: 'It is very important that customer orders are fulfilled and we are working with the company's supplier base, which is being supportive, to achieve this.'

Furnitureland has struggled for some time with increasing competition and a recent drop in consumer demand. Rivals Courts and Klaussner have already gone under this year.