Mothercare is set to collapse in Britain with the expected closure of its 79 stores and online operation – putting a total of 2,500 jobs in danger.
The UK arm of the kids’ chain is on the brink of administration after huge losses.
Branches are expected to trade normally but will eventually shut when stock is sold off.
Richard Lim, of industry experts Retail Economics, said: “They have been left behind in today’s rapidly evolving market.”
The chain was hit by supermarket ranges, online rivals and fewer high street shoppers.
The Mirror’s High Street Fightback is battling to rescue town centres.
Ranges from celebs such as Myleene Klass failed to save Mothercare, which was founded in 1961.
After talks with possible buyers, the retailer said yesterday: “It has become clear the UK retail operations... are not capable of returning to a level of structural profitability and returns that are sustainable.”
Shadow Business Secretary Rebecca Long-Bailey called for a summit with bosses and unions to safeguard jobs.
The rest of the Mothercare group, with more than 1,000 stores across the world, isn’t affected.
Sales frenzy fails to lift struggling stores
Shop sales have suffered their slowest growth on record, despite a huge wave of discounting last month.
Sales were 0.6% higher in October compared with the same month a year ago but, on a 12-month basis, they slowed to a new low of just 0.1%.
Shops, especially fashion chains, slashed prices last month to woo customers.
However Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the British Retail Consortium, said: “The longer term trend remains bleak, with 12-month average sales growth at a new low.”
She added: “Retailers will be looking nervously at the months ahead.”
