WORKERS at four stores belonging to Rosebys, one of the UK s largest soft furnishing retailers, got a shock after the group went into administration on Friday. Rosebys has two stores in Letchworth GC - one in the shopping centre and another on the Plinsto

WORKERS at four stores belonging to Rosebys, one of the UK's largest soft furnishing retailers, got a shock after the group went into administration on Friday.

Rosebys has two stores in Letchworth GC - one in the shopping centre and another on the Plinston Retail Park - one in Stevenage at Queensway and another in High Street, Hitchin, employing a total of 26 people.

KPMG has been appointed as administrators of the business that has an annual turnover over £100m and employs 2,000 people in 28 stores. The business is continuing to trade but administrators are looking for offers for the whole or any part of the business.

Joint administrator Howard Smith said: "The business is continuing to trade as normal while we review the financial position and seek a going concern sale. No employees have been made redundant to date.

"In common with many retailers, the group has experienced difficult trading conditions leading to continued losses.

"Rosebys has recently sought to re-finance, but this did not prove possible in the current economic climate and we are looking for offers for the whole or any part of the business.