The novelty gift and toy chain, Hawkin’s Bazaar, has appointed administrators, after falling victim to a poor Christmas season.
The chain and its parent company, the Tobar Group, filed an “intention to appoint administrators” on Thursday this week. Administrators from Zolfo Cooper were called in to handle the process and they will be working on managing the future of the chain’s 120 stores.
Zolfo partner, Peter Saville, said it was unfortunate that the company had been unable to survive the current difficult retail market.
“In common with many retailers, the group has experienced exceptionally challenging trading conditions,” he said.
Hawkin’s Bazaar was first founded in 1973 as a niche mail order company and it now sells a wide range of retro toys alongside 'stocking fillers'. Its 120 stores employ some 400 people across the country, with many more temporary personnel having been taken on to staff the Christmas period.
The company’s collapse comes just a day after D2 Jeans became the first high-profile company to file for administration since Christmas. Underwear retailer La Senza is expected to follow suit in the coming week, after announcing plans last week to enter administration.
