In early July I ordered a £1,281 sofa from House of Fraser. It was due to be delivered on 20 August and I was assured up until the beginning of that week that it would go ahead despite the store going into administration. It never arrived.
I’ve now been told by the administrator, EY, that I am a creditor and will need to make an unsecured claim, though I would most likely receive a very small amount, if anything.
It was paid for in three stages, most of the sum using gift cards. The last payment – just £6 – was taken from my credit card on the day the store went into administration. My wife is 39 weeks’ pregnant and we don’t have a sofa to sit on.
JM, Chester
Last week a customer in the same situation invaded a House of Fraser store and helped herself to a sofa she had paid for after being told that her order would not be fulfilled (I wouldn’t recommend that route).
House of Fraser, which has been bought by the Sports Direct boss, Mike Ashley, had originally informed customers who had purchased goods online that they would be refunded. There has been no word on customers like you who ordered in store.
Legally, the new owner is not obliged to honour any orders that predate the takeover.
EY told the Observer that you were indeed a creditor, which means the chances of getting your sofa or a refund are minimal.
Sports Direct did not respond to requests for a comment. Your best option is to make a claim through your credit card issuer. Although only £6 of the cost was paid with your card, card issuers are jointly liable for breaches of contract even if only a fraction of the purchase price was settled on credit.
If you need help email Anna Tims at your.problems@observer.co.uk or write to Your Problems, The Observer, Kings Place, 90 York Way, London N1 9GU. Include an address and phone number. Submission is subject to our terms and conditions
