Fashion retailer Quiz has become the latest high street casualty, collapsing into administration for the second time in just twelve months. The move has resulted in the immediate redundancy of 109 staff members from the company's head office in Glasgow and its warehouse and distribution centre in Bellshill, Lanarkshire.
Administrators Seek Urgent Buyer for Struggling Chain
Administrators from Interpath have been appointed to oversee the process and are urgently seeking potential buyers for the business. They have confirmed that Quiz's 40 stores across the United Kingdom and its seven concessions in Ireland will continue to operate as a going concern while options are assessed. However, the company's website has been shut down.
Second Administration in Troubled Year
This marks a devastating repeat for the fashion chain, which previously entered administration in February 2025. At that time, the business was immediately purchased in a pre-pack administration deal by Orion, a subsidiary of the founding Ramzan family. That transaction saved the Quiz brand and 42 shops but led to the closure of 23 stores and the loss of approximately 200 jobs.
Alistair McAlinden, head of Interpath in Scotland and joint administrator, stated: "With Quiz the latest retailer to fall into administration, there's no doubt it's been a tough start to 2026 for the UK high street. It's our intention to continue to trade all stores and the concessions in Ireland as a going concern for as long as we can while we assess options for the business."
Financial Pressures and Failed Rescue Efforts
Interpath revealed that Quiz had been battling severe trading challenges throughout the past year, with sales performance falling significantly short of expectations during the critical Christmas period. The administrators cited a combination of adverse economic factors that contributed to the collapse.
The company faced mounting pressures from changing consumer habits, substantial business rates costs, and recent increases in employment expenses. Despite exploring various avenues to secure its future, including attempts to obtain additional funding, all rescue efforts ultimately proved unsuccessful.
Geoff Jacobs, fellow joint administrator and managing director at Interpath, added: "Any parties with an interest in acquiring the stock, store operations and infrastructure of Quiz should contact us as a matter of urgency. We are ensuring that those employees impacted by redundancy are provided with all available support at this difficult time."
Customer Implications and Support Details
The administration has immediate consequences for consumers. Gift cards and credit notes issued by Quiz are no longer being accepted. Customers wishing to return online purchases may do so at physical Quiz stores for an exchange, but cash or card refunds will not be available.
Shoppers who have already returned items online but have not received their money have been informed they will "regrettably, not receive a refund from Quiz." Instead, affected customers are advised to contact their credit or debit card providers directly to seek assistance through chargeback procedures.
It is important to note that Quiz concessions operating within New Look and Matalan stores across the UK are not included in the administration process and remain unaffected. The company employs a total of 565 workers, meaning hundreds of additional retail positions remain at risk depending on the outcome of the administration process.
