Following the announcement that home furnishings retailer Paul Simon had gone into administration, administrator Deloitte will close 17 stores out of 50.
The store closures in the south and southeast of England take place over the next three weeks and will affect 137 members of staff.

The stores which have been earmarked for closure are loss making and a sale will begin in these stores with huge discounts on all goods.

Deloitte have already made 28 head office, warehouse and factory staff redundant.

Administrator Lee Manning said: "As part of the review of Paul Simon's financial position, we have analysed the store portfolio and identified 17 loss making stores for closure. This step has been taken to enhance the prospect of securing a sale of all or part of the remaining business as a going concern.

"We have received strong support from staff at Paul Simon and the joint administrators are very grateful for their continuing commitment during this difficult period."

Deloitte stated the reasons for Paul Simons' difficulties include the current economic climate and the recent flooding which impacted on sales.

Paul Simon specialises in the sale of furniture, curtains and carpets.