MFI is shunned by a third of shoppers on the hunt...
MFI is shunned by a third of shoppers on the hunt for a new kitchen or bedroom, according to an exclusive Retail Week poll by ICM.

The findings highlight the colossal challenge that Henry Jackson's newly established Merchant Equity Partners faces if it buys the troubled retail business.

MFI Group was understood to be in discussions with final bidder Merchant to thrash out a deal for MFI Retail, for a nominal sum of£1, as Retail Week went to press. However, a source close to the retailer stressed that other options - including retaining the chain - were still being considered.

A fifth of those polled said they may go to MFI, but only after checking out its rivals first.

The results seem to indicate that those shoppers who spurn MFI stores do so because they believe the retailer provides sub-standard product quality, poor value for money and lacklustre customer service.

However, the poll found that more than 60 per cent of respondents thought MFI does provide value for money.

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