Powerstore up for sale after talks fail

VOBIS CHAIN

The Powerstore and Homepower electrical goods chains - home to concessions run by Vobis - are in administration and up for sale after last minute crisis talks failed to save the business from its creditors.

Leading electrical retailers are expected to cherry pick from the properties available leaving Vobis' instant 86-strong chain smashed to pieces. Vobis held off opening any standalone stores preferring to break into the UK market with a retail partner. It is Vobis' second set-back in the UK: the company's deal with Dixons wound down last August.

Industry observers expect the 30 out of town sites to attract the most interest with the 50-plus high street outlets proving less sought after.

Customers who have put down deposits on PCs or paid for them in full and haven't collected them may not get their gear at all. Punters automatically become creditors of the company and will be paid in part or in full by the administrators when the companies are sold.

Customers are being advised to cancel cheques, get refunds from credit card companies, or write to the relevant finance companies to sort out the situation.