Bonmarche store in Fareham is saved from closure

Bonmarche in Fareham was one of many stores earmarked for closure, after the company went into administration.

The firm's administrators announced that it would be closing 30 of its stores, with up to 240 staff potentially being made redundant.

Alongside the store in Fareham Shopping Centre, the firm also has stores in Portsmouth, Gosport and Waterlooville.

Now, The Edinburgh Woollen Mill Group has acquired the retailer from FRP, with the eight staff members continuing their employment.

Fareham store manager Karen Wood said: ‘The store team are thrilled with the news that we are remaining open.

‘We would like to say a special thanks to all our customers for their support and messages of encouragement.’

The Edinburgh Woollen Mill Group is a family-run business with a wealth of retail experience.

It specialises in clothing, with interest in homeware and tourist destination shopping.

A spokeswoman from Bonmarche's head office added: ‘We would like to extend a big thank you to The Edinburgh Woollen Mill Group for acquiring the business and saving so many jobs.

‘We are very excited about our future and entering a new chapter as part The Edinburgh Woollen Mill Group.’

Bonmarche is a women’s value retailer, with a focus on designing ‘figure flattering womenswear' from sizes 10-28.

For a time, Peacocks was linked with buying the company, but a deal never materialised.