Woolworths stores 'to close next month'

Administrators refused today to confirm reports that they are set to announce the closure of all British Woolworths stores by January 4.

A spokesman for Deloitte declined to comment, but confirmed there would be a press briefing this afternoon about “the latest position with administration”.

The Metro newspaper said some staff were told in face-to-face meetings yesterday that the closures across the 813 stores will start on December 27.

The group employs 30,000 staff, with around 25,000 working in retail.

Last week shoppers formed huge queues and stripped shelves at a closing-down sale following the failure to find a buyer for the struggling firm.

Deloitte has already warned that some stores could close before the end of the month if no offers for the business emerge.

Woolworths has been in business for almost a century but was forced to call in administrators three weeks ago as debts and losses mounted in a worsening high street climate.

If stores close before the end of this month, the administrator said it would consult employees to discuss the support available in the event of redundancies.

Deloitte has held talks with the likes of former Woolworths chief executive Geoff Mulcahy and 'Dragon’s Den' star Theo Paphitis but no deals have been struck.

The complexity of the group’s leases and difficulty in restocking the business after Christmas have reportedly put off interested parties.