Closing down sale signs have been put in the window of the Bodycare store in Middlesbrough’s Hillstreet Shopping Centre. On Friday, September 5, it was announced the company behind the health and beauty retailer had entered administration.

More than 30 shops were set to shut with immediate effect as administrators map out the company’s future. The list of 32 stores did not name any Teesside branches – including the stores in Middlesbrough, Thornaby, Redcar and Hartlepool.

However, closing down signs have now been placed in the windows of the Hillstreet Shopping Centre store. At this time, administrators have not confirmed if and when the branch may close or the impact on job roles.

The signs say “closing down sale”, “everything must go” as at least a 20% discount on products is highlighted. Nick Holloway, Chris Pole and Mike Leeds from Interpath were appointed as joint administrators to G. R. and M. M. Blackledge plc, which operates as Bodycare, last week.

The enterprise, which launched in 1970 in Lancashire and remains headquartered in the county, operated 147 outlets nationwide and employed approximately 1,500 staff, reports Business Live. The administrators previously confirmed the immediate shuttering of 32 outlets with the elimination of 450 positions, none of which were listed on Teesside.

Administrators said the company will maintain operations at the remaining 115 stores as normal whilst they examine possibilities for the enterprise, including a potential disposal of the company or its assets. Interpath states that similar to numerous other high street retailers, the chain has been battered by escalating expenses and sluggish consumer expenditure.