ONE of the most famous names in Warrington's retail history has gone into administration.

Dawsons Music, which was established in Warrington in 1898, closed its Sankey Street shop last year but its head office remains in Centre Park in Warrington.

Employing approximately 75 people, Dawsons is one of the oldest retailers of musical instruments in the UK.

Over the past 12 months, the business has experienced declining sales against the backdrop of a highly challenging retail environment. With the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic placing further financial strain on the business, the directors took the difficult decision to appoint joint administrators.

Warrington Guardian:

The shop on Sankey Street closed last year

Rick Harrison, partner at KPMG and joint administrator, said: “Dawsons is an iconic name in the music industry with its ‘Run by musicians, for musicians’ philosophy.

“While all stores remain closed due to the restrictions imposed as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, we will continue to trade the business via its online platforms while we assess options for the business.

“The majority of staff were furloughed prior to our appointment, and we will be speaking to them as a matter of priority over the days and weeks ahead, as we seek a buyer for the business.

“We are presently in advanced discussions with a number of interested parties with a view to a possible sale but would invite any other party who may have interest in acquiring the business and its assets to contact us at the earliest opportunity.”

Operating online and from six stores in Manchester, Liverpool, Chester, Leeds, Reading and Belfast, the company sells a diverse range of musical products, including acoustic, bass and electric guitars; amps and effects; pianos and keyboards; drums and percussion; PA & DJ equipment; orchestra instruments; sheet music books and the latest in music technology.

Interested parties are advised to contact Natasha Harbinson at KPMG on 020 7670 2607.