Phones 4u parent company has gone into administration
|
The Phones 4U shop on Putney High Street is closed as its parent company goes into administration. Nearly 6,000 jobs are at risk in the chain which is owned by private equity firm BC Partners.
All 550 stores were closed today - it is the second biggest UK mobile phone retailer.
Phones 4U blamed the move on mobile network EE's decision not to renew its contract- Vodafone also decided not to renew its contract.
The company said established mobile contracts taken out through it would not be affected, although phones ordered and not dispatched - for example anyone ordering the new iPhone 6 over the weekend - would be. A customer service line will be open from today.
It also said staff should turn up to work as normal, when they would be given further details and would "continue to be paid until further notice".
There was no answer to phone calls to the Putney store today. The letter on the door reads:
Dear Customer, Following the unexpected decision of EE and Vodafone to withdraw supply from Phones4U , we regret that we are offline. Please accept our apologies and we will update you as soon as possible Our customer service lines are: • Phones 4u Customer Service 0844 8712253 • Technical Support 0844 8712233 • Handset Repairs 0844 8712269 • Phones 4u Care (Insurance) 0844 8710535 • LIFE Mobile Customer Service 0844 3221133 Thank you for your custom The heartbroken Phones4u Team |
There are reports that Carphone Warehouse is about to announce extra staff and this would provide an opportunity for some of the staff from Phones 4U.
All existing mobile phone contracts will be honoured, the company says. Networks will continue to provide mobile services to these customers, so customers will be able to continue using and paying for their phone as normal.
The move comes about as phone companies seek to deal directly with customers instead of using companies such as Phones4U as a middle link.
September 19, 2014