The off licence chain has struggled with declining consumer spending, Brexit uncertainty and higher rents and rates LUKE MACGREGOR / REUTERSThe future of Oddbins was in doubt this morning after the appointment of administrators to the struggling off-licence chain. The appointment of Duff & Phelps puts 550 jobs at risk, most of them in the business’s 101 off-licences and two convenience stores, although the outlets are continuing to trade while a buyer is sought. In addition to 45 Oddbins shops, the businesses affected trade under brands including Oddies, Simply Drinks, Simply Food & Drinks, Shop2Go and Booze Buster. It is the second time that Oddbins, which started life in 1963, has gone bust. In 2011 the chain fell into administration after HM Revenue & Customs, its biggest unsecured creditor, refused to back a management-led rescue via a company voluntary arrangement.

Source: The Times February 01, 2019 12:00 UTC