THE closure of the long-established Greenwoods clothes store in George Street, Altrincham, has been confirmed.

The company, which went into administration on September 6, was sold by administrator Deloitte to Versatile International Trading Limited on October 20.

The deal means that 22 of the company's stores, including Altrincham, will close immediately, resulting in a total of 88 redundancies.

The sale will see 40 retail stores, the central warehouse and head office functions transferring to the buyer. This will protect the jobs of 181 employees. 

Closing down signs which said ‘everything must go’ went up in the store’s windows several weeks ago.

Joint administrator Adrain Berry said: “This sale represents the best outcome for the business, which has been trading in administration for more than six weeks.

"A significant proportion of the employees now have their jobs protected and we would like to thank all of them for their support during this difficult period.”

Altrincham Court Leet recently presented a Silver Lion to the shop in recognition of over 50 years service to the people of Altrincham

The firm was founded by Willie Greenwood in 1860 as a hatter’s shop in the city where it was founded, Bradford.