A North East-based ecommerce retailer has formally entered administration after a failed attempt to secure a buyer, leaving customers and creditors in uncertainty. The company, known for its "French", "shabby chic" and mirrored furniture, had filed a notice of intent to appoint administrators in early May, offering temporary protection from creditors during a short sales window. Despite efforts to broker a deal, no viable offers were received before the 20 May deadline.
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On 30 May 2025, Homes Direct 365 was placed into administration, with KBL Advisory appointed to oversee proceedings. The business, based in Stockton, had been trading for over a decade and recorded a 5.8% increase in sales to £7.47 million in the year to May 2024. However, profitability sharply declined, from a £160,000 profit to a £200,000 loss, which worsened to £444,000 by February 2025, with net liabilities surpassing assets.
Following administration, the company ceased trading. Customers with outstanding orders were informed it could no longer process purchases, issue refunds or accept returns. Those who paid via credit card or PayPal were advised to seek chargebacks through their payment providers. The firm's website and social media accounts have since been taken offline.
Assets up for sale included stock, plant and machinery, vehicles, office equipment, and intellectual property such as the Homes Direct 365 website and trademarks. Stakeholders also operated furniture wholesaler Ward Gregory, which was liquidated in February under the same advisory firm.
A support team has been established by KBL Advisory to handle customer queries via a dedicated email channel
Source: www.thefurnishingreport.com