Bournemouth-based Beales could face closure

One of Britain's oldest department stores has warned that it could go into administration.

It was widely reported on Sunday that Beales, which began trading in Bournemouth in 1881, could face closure if it fails to find a buyer within the next week.

The 22-strong chain employs around 1,000 people.

It is feared jobs are at stake if a deal cannot be done.

The firm is negotiating with its landlords to try and agree rent reductions.

Chief Executive Tony Brown, who led a management buyout of the firm in 2018, is said to be in talks with two interested parties.

Beales has stores in the following towns and cities:

  • Beccles

  • Bedford

  • Bournemouth

  • Chipping Norton

  • Diss

  • Fareham

  • Hexham

  • Keighley

  • Kendal

  • Lowestoft

  • Mansfield

  • Perth

  • Peterborough

  • Poole

  • Skegness

  • Southport

  • Spalding

  • St Neots

  • Tonbridge

  • Wisbech

  • Worthing

  • Yeovil