The administrators of the First Quench off-licence group are to close 373 stores before Christmas with the loss of 1,738 jobs.
KPMG took First Quench into administration when it collapsed in late October 2009.
The group trades as Threshers, Wine Rack, The Local, Haddows, Bottoms Up and Victoria Wine.
Richard Fleming, UK head of restructuring at KPMG, and joint administrator, said:
“Unfortunately, after reviewing the viability of the network, 373 loss-making stores are to be closed.
“Depending on stock levels, 247 of the stores will continue to trade until 25th November, with 126 trading until 2nd December.
“As part of the closure programme, liquidation sales will take place at each of the stores scheduled to be closed with the stock being sold off at a discount from Friday 6th November.”
Details of the stores to be closed will be available from noon on Friday 6th November.
Fleming said the remaining stores would continue to trade while KPMG looked for a buyer .
“We have received considerable interest in the business from a range of buyers, including trade, individual investors and private equity,” he said.
First Quench Retailing operates around 1,200 stores across Scotland, England and Wales and employs approximately 6,300 people.
