Denby Pottery, the historic UK homeware brand established in 1809, has collapsed after 217 years of trading and officially closed its website for online orders. The Derbyshire-based firm appointed Anthony John Wright and Geoffrey Paul Rowley of FRP Advisory as administrators on March 31, citing rising energy costs and declining sales.
Online Orders Halted, Clearance Sales Underway
A statement on the Denby Pottery website reads: "It is with great sadness that, following Denby entering administration, our website is no longer accepting online orders. All orders that have already been placed will still be fulfilled, though we are experiencing longer wait times due to high demand. Our current lead time is 30-35 working days from the date of order. If you were hoping to add to your Denby collection, our outlet stores remain open, where you'll find savings of at least 50 percent across our ranges, while stocks last."
The brand has launched huge clearance sales at all 24 outlets across the UK, including its only Scottish branch in the Livingston Designer Outlet, with all stoneware reduced by half-price.
Home Bargains Rescue Talks Stall
In early June, it was revealed that Home Bargains was interested in purchasing Denby out of administration, covering the Denby name and its assets. However, no further update has been provided, putting all 24 stores at risk of closure. Since entering administration, more than 130 staff members lost their jobs after manufacturing operations ceased in April.
Energy Costs Blamed for Collapse
Denby Pottery, famed for handcrafted kitchen stoneware made from locally sourced Derbyshire clay, struggled with soaring energy costs that have caused turmoil in the ceramics industry. A petition calling on the government to extend relief to pottery makers garnered more than 40,000 signatures. Following the #savedenby campaign, the government issued a £120 million support package for the industry, but bosses said it "came too late."
Other Homeware Brands Face Struggles
Denby is not alone in facing difficulties. On July 1, Merchant City Distributors Limited plunged into administration owing over £1 million to creditors. The Lancashire-based firm appointed James Stephen and Ben Peterson of BDO as joint administrators on April 14, leading to all 18 staff members being made redundant. A report revealed unsecured creditors will receive no dividend, with total debts of £1,064,122 to creditors and £214,000 to HMRC.
Additionally, Magnet Kitchens confirmed it will close 15 "underperforming" stores across the UK, including its Stirling showroom, as part of a company voluntary arrangement (CVA) restructuring to address unsustainable property costs.
