Closure of 114 stores by the administrators of value clothing chain Ethel Austin and sister homewares retailer Au Naturale has been confirmed, resulting in 1,048 workers losing job by end of February.

In a search of buyers, other 169 shops will stay functional. It has been planned by MCR that 404 jobs will be sliced at the firm's distribution centre and from 3,700 head office employs, 65 would be shed.

Geoff Bouchier, Joint Administrator and partner of administrator MCR said, "In light of the current economic climate these stores identified for closure did not attract a purchaser. Regrettably, as a result of their current financial performance, these stores will shortly cease to trade. We are still hopeful of selling the remaining business and discussions are ongoing with a number of interested parties. The dealings relating to the closure stores will not affect the operations of the continuing stores".