Ethel Austin saved from closure

Stone’s Ethel Austin store has been saved from closure after the national clothing chain was bought from an administrator by a retail entrepreneur.

The future of the Stone store was thrown into doubt back in June after former owners went into administration. The High Street store chopped its trading space in half and had been selling off stock for the last couple of months.

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However, the national chain was bought from an administrator by entrepreneur Sue Townsend on Friday and will retain all its 62 stores and 470 workers, including the Stone store – great news for the High Street and even better news for the Stone workers.

Ms Townsend said on Friday: “I’m delighted with the conclusion to the purchase of the Ethel Austin chain and I am looking forward to the opportunities and challenges of returning this once great brand back to profitability.”