Zavvi in administration as Usdaw warns Poundland could follow

UK company failures continue. Zavvi, the online DVD and collectibles seller, went into administration on Monday 12 October, and the shopworkers’ union Usdaw warned that Poundland, with around 12,000 jobs, could follow as early as Tuesday 13 October. Glens of Antrim, the 54-year-old crisp and potato business, entered administration last month.

The cases affect shoppers who paid for Zavvi orders that will not arrive, Poundland’s workforce and the 95 people employed by Glens of Antrim. They also add to a wider rise in company failures.

Poundland store closures and Usdaw’s warning of administration

According to Express.co.uk, Usdaw said Poundland’s owner, Gordon Brothers, could force an administration as early as Tuesday. Gordon Brothers bought the chain for £1 in mid-2025. Poundland has since shut around 150 stores, leaving 650. On the reported figure of 12,000 jobs, that is roughly 18 jobs for each remaining store, by our arithmetic. Gordon Brothers’ response to Usdaw’s claims was not included in the reports cited.

Bally Auluk, a national officer at Usdaw, was quoted by the Telegraph as saying there were “deep concerns that the business could go into administration, which would be a disaster for our members”. He added that a management buyout had been attempted and that offers were reportedly being turned down.

Poundland said its managing director Barry Williams, the former Pepco and Asda chief executive Andy Bond and the leadership team had been working with the Martin Property Group on a buyout. The company reported like-for-like sales growth of 6.4% in the final quarter of its 2026 financial year. Aldi, Lidl and Henderson Property Group are also reported to be interested.

Zavvi and Glens of Antrim: what happened

Chris Skey and Kerry Bailey of BDO LLP were appointed joint administrators of ZavviGroup Ltd on 12 October 2026. Their notice on the website says the company “has ceased trading with immediate effect” and cannot fulfil outstanding orders or accept returns. Zavvi began in 2007 as the successor to Virgin Megastores’ 125 high street shops, entered administration in 2008 and was relaunched online in 2009.

Customers who have paid for goods not received are told to contact their bank, card issuer or payment provider. Depending on how they paid, they may be able to claim under section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974 or request a chargeback.

Glens of Antrim Potatoes Ltd, based in Cushendall and Ballymena, entered administration with Interpath’s Stuart Irwin, Ian Leonard and Robin Coughlin appointed on 21 September, according to the Daily Mirror. Most of the 95 staff have been made redundant. Mr Irwin called it “a tremendously sad outcome” and said rising agri-food costs had caused severe cash flow problems. The film distributor True Brit Entertainment has also entered administration, citing “extremely challenging market conditions”.

UK administrations rise above last year’s pace

Official figures cited by Express.co.uk show administrations running well above last year’s pace.

A 60% rise on 182 implies about 114 in August 2025, by our calculation. The Gazette said the increase was driven by higher numbers between March and August, when more than 250 connected real estate companies entered administration, so not all of it is retail.

Exigen Group, administrators of the Telford haulage firm Telford Transport Solutions, said many firms had “struggled to absorb sustained increases in fuel, insurance, vehicle, and driver wage costs”. It added that HMRC is “increasingly willing to take enforcement action” over unpaid VAT and PAYE.

What happens next

Usdaw said a Poundland administration could come as early as Tuesday 13 October. No decision has been confirmed. If it goes into administration, the appointed administrators would decide whether stores keep trading, and the competing bids and expressions of interest from the management team, Aldi, Lidl and Henderson would be tested. None of those outcomes is confirmed.

For Zavvi customers, the first step is a claim through their card issuer or bank, using the route that matches how they paid. BDO has set up the inbox [email protected], which sends an automated reply with a frequently asked questions document and details on submitting a claim. Individual replies will not ordinarily be provided. Glens of Antrim’s administrators are seeking buyers for the business and its assets.

Your questions answered

Which UK retailers are struggling?

Zavvi is in administration and Poundland faces the risk of it, according to Usdaw. Poundland itself reported like-for-like sales growth in the final quarter of its 2026 financial year.

What stores are shutting down in 2026?

Poundland has closed about 150 shops, leaving 650. Zavvi, which is online-only, has ceased trading. Glens of Antrim is a producer rather than a retailer.

When did the high street start to decline?

The sources give no start date. Zavvi’s 2008 administration shows trouble predates this year, but the 2026 figures are above 2025.