Kitchenware retailer ProCook is to close all its high street stores as it focuses on internet sales and factory outlet stores after being bought out of administration last year.
The company said it will close 18 stores as “extortionate and ever increasing business rates” hit the company hard. Around 100 staff will be made redundant.
It will operate from just 13 factory outlets and its web site, with no presence on the high street.
It will also act as a wholesaler to other retailers as it sells its ProCook products.
ProCook managing director Daniel O’Neill said that although the company experienced “great flexibility and understanding of many landlords, we have taken a group wide decision to close our high street outlets”.
He said it was “principally” because of the “ever increasing business rates".
He added: “The singling out of retail tenants in particular for punitive and escalating business rates in most parts of the country pre-dated the economic crisis. However, these cost pressures have made high street retailing difficult and in many cases impossible in conjunction with the present economic downturn.”
The stores will be operating closing down Sales until the stock in the stores has been sold.
ProCook fell into administration in July and was later bought out by management and a consortium of shareholders.
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