Austin Reed poised to close 31 stores as part of CVA turnaround plan

The fashion retailer hopes to strike the CVA deal with landlords in a deal that will involve it paying a fifth less rent on 35 stores and 50% less on a further 31.

Austin Reed is expected to close those 31 stores after six months.

Under the CVA, the company’s flagship Regent Street shop and 165 remaining stores would continue to trade as normal.

Austin Reed chief executive Nick Hollingworth said: “The actions that we are taking will ensure a long-term sustainable future for the brands in the group, and will provide a solid financial platform from which to operate and grow the business.

“The decision to close some stores was not taken lightly but we cannot continue to operate those within our portfolio that are loss-making. We will work closely with the staff within the affected stores to explore redeployment opportunities.”

Landlords and other creditors will vote on the proposals on February 5.

The CVA comes after Austin Reed owner Darius Capital appointed Deloitte last month to work on a turnaround plan.

According to Companies House filings, Austin Reed made a loss before tax of £1.29m on sales of £109m in the year to January 2014.

Fashion retailers have struggled after an unseasonably warm autumn hit demand for winter ranges.