Dixons Carphone has reportedly offered a lifeline to staff at rival retailer Maplin, whose future is up in the air after it filed for administration on Wednesday.
Dixons Carphone chief executive Sebastian James told BBC News that he was “really sorry” to hear about Maplin’s downfall and hinted that his company may be open to poaching some of its staff should the worse come to worst.
“Maplin has long been famous for its expert and friendly team, and this is a very difficult time for all Maplin colleagues,” James said.
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“We are always on the lookout for experienced staff who love serving customers and bring expertise in technology, and I hope that we can offer some Maplin employees exciting new opportunities within the Dixons Carphone family.”
Maplin had called in administrators from PwC to handle the process, and stated that it would continue to trade normally as it does so.
However, the future of its 2500 staff and 200 store estate will be up in the air until the administration process is complete.
The retailer fell into administration amid a last-minute breakdown in negotiations for a potential rescue deal with Edinburgh Woollen Mill (EWM) Group as well as having to pay tens of millions in liabilities by the end of last month.
Other factors contributing to Maplin’s downfall are its widening losses amid soaring inflation, rising costs, dwindling consumer confidence and the rise of online shopping.
PwC said staff have been paid their February wages and would continue to be paid for future work while the company is in administration.
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