Caerphilly’s Carpetright store to close

Caerphilly’s Carpetright store, on Gallagher Retail Park, is to close after it was left out of a deal to save the stricken company.

PwC have been appointed administrators of the national chain and have managed to sell 54 stores to the Tapi Group saving around 308 jobs.

However, Caerphilly’s Carpetright is not included in the deal and is set to close. Details of job losses at the store have not been made public.

Founded in 1988, Carpetright operates across the UK and the Republic of Ireland. Headquartered in Purfleet, Essex, it has 273 stores and 1,898 employees.

PwC said the company had been “hit by challenging trading conditions, predominantly due to changing consumer preferences and a drop in home improvement spending post-pandemic”.

The business was also victim of a cyber attack in April 2024, which had left it unable to trade for a period of time.

More than a 1,000 staff employed at sites not included in the deal, and those providing in-home services, have been made redundant.

Customers who have ordered goods and services at the Caerphilly store are advised to contact their payment card provider about the possibility of obtaining a refund.

Zelf Hussain, joint administrator at PwC, said: “Carpetright has fallen victim to challenges facing many retailers, especially those selling big ticket items. A mixture of factors, including a big reduction in consumer spending due to cost of living pressures, lower home sales and a debilitating cyber attack made it impossible for the business to continue in its current form.

“The sale of some stores and the brand to Tapi has allowed over 300 jobs to be saved, and gives the Carpetright brand the chance to continue and flourish under its new ownership.

“However, it is deeply saddening that for the remainder of the workforce there will be redundancies. We are committed to helping those affected and will make sure redundancy claims are processed as quickly as possible. In collaboration with Tapi, we will assist in efforts to help individuals find new jobs elsewhere.

“We know this is an uncertain time for many of those affected and want to thank all the staff for the support they have given the company in these difficult circumstances.”