Historic UK fashion brand Gossard, established in 1901 and renowned for introducing the Wonderbra to Britain in the 1960s, has entered liquidation, resulting in all staff being made redundant.
The Nottingham-based lingerie firm ceased trading on May 14, 2026, with liquidators from CFS Restructuring appointed to dispose of its assets. The company had been operating from The Courtaulds Building on Haydn Road in Sherwood.
Financial Shortfall
According to documents submitted to Companies House, Gossard owed significant sums to HMRC and suppliers at the time of liquidation. While it held approximately £642,993 worth of stock, this was expected to generate only around £17,400 during the sale—far less than needed to cover debts.
Twenty-five suppliers had lodged claims totalling £2,482,763, and HMRC claimed £346,191. Three former employees also submitted claims amounting to £77,910. The liquidators' statement of affairs revealed an overall shortfall of £2,813,604 when attempting to repay creditors.
Connected Companies Also Affected
Sister company Embody (Brands) Limited, a hosiery retailer based in the same Sherwood building, also entered liquidation on the same date, leaving suppliers and employees owed hundreds of thousands of pounds. Embody held £947,257 worth of stock, anticipated to fetch only £35,300 upon sale. Its available assets of roughly £230,000 fell well short of covering an HMRC claim of £252,583, trader claims of £634,058, and claims from 15 staff totalling £358,565. Creditors faced a predicted shortfall of £1,025,117.
Pretty Polly Limited, another connected firm based at The Courtaulds Building, has also entered liquidation, with a similar notice posted on its website.
Official Statement
A statement on Gossard's website read: "Please be advised that Gossard Limited has officially ceased trading and entered liquidation effective May 14, 2026. This appointment relates solely to the UK entity trading as Gossard. Gossard's European operations and affiliated entities outside the UK are continuing to operate as normal and are not subject to these liquidation proceedings. We would like to thank our customers, partners, and employees for their support over the years."
The Mirror has contacted Gossard for comment.
