News in the Retail sector - written by Rob Moore

The discount fashion chain Happit has been placed in administration following a downturn in sales. Fourteen stores throughout Scotland have been closed, with a loss of around 60 jobs. [more]

Borders is looking to sell off up to 36 of its 45 UK bookshops to prevent itself from collapsing. While its sister business Books etc, is having final sales at its eight stores and may close down in early 2010. [more]

The Leeds bakery chain Ainsleys has gone into administration. Grant Thornton has been appointed administrator for the chain which has 29 shops across West Yorkshire and employs 330 people. A search has begun for potential acquirers of the Leeds-based family business, which was founded more than 70 years ago. [more]

High and Mighty, the family-owned retailer that specialises in clothing for the taller and larger man, is close to entering a pre-pack administration. [more]

London department store Liberty could soon have a new owner, as the company's majority shareholder is currently appointing advisers to undertake a strategic re [more]

Book retail chain Borders UK has brought in a restructuring firm to assist in the closure of some of its underperforming stores, it has been reported by The Independent. [more]

Kelso Place Asset Management may put its luxury stationery, handbags and leather goods retailer Smythson up for sale after receiving numerous expressions of interest for the business. [more]

Mosaic Fashions, the retail business behind Karen Millen and Oasis, has entered a pre-pack administration today, with Deloitte to handling the administration. Mosaic's main creditor, Icelandic bank Kaupthing, has bought back out of administration most of the group including Oasis, Karen Millen, Warehouse and Coast. However, Principles and Shoe studio are still insolvent with some 4,200 jobs in the balance while a buyer is desperately soug [more]