News: November 2009

KPMG, administrators of the First Quench group, have announced the closure of another tranche of high-street off-licences.

More than 370 Thresher, Wine Rack, Haddows, The Local, Bottoms Up and Victoria Wine stores were initially scheduled for closure, after the struggling group called in the administrators in November. Now a further 381 shops will pull down the shutters by the middle of December.

Details of the stores to close can be found on the Threshers website.

The remaining 500 or so stores within the First Quench group will continue trading while the administrators continue discussions with possible buyers. Thirteen stores and the Wine Rack name have already been acquired by wholesaler Venus Wine and Spirit.