Fashion Chain Quiz Enters Administration for the Third Time, Leaving 109 Employees Jobless

• Quiz has entered administration for the third time in six years, highlighting ongoing struggles in the retail sector.
• 109 jobs are set to be lost, primarily affecting staff in Scotland, raising concerns about employment in the region.
• The company has struggled with sales, especially during the crucial Christmas season, which is vital for retailers.
• Its online store has closed, and physical stores are currently holding clearance sales to offload inventory.
• Gift cards and credit notes will not be honored, raising frustrations among loyal customers.
• The chain employs around 565 people across 40 UK stores, illustrating the scale of the impact of this administration.
• Administrators are assessing options while continuing to operate stores as long as possible, showing a commitment to maintaining some level of operation during this crisis.

Quiz, a clothing chain that has long been a fixture on the UK high street, has entered administration for the third time in just six years, marking a significant and troubling moment for the fashion retailer. Known for catering to fashion-forward women aged 16 to 35, Quiz's latest administration announcement brings with it the unfortunate news that 109 employees, primarily located in Scotland, will lose their jobs. This development underscores the broader challenges facing the UK retail sector, particularly for traditional clothing retailers amid a rapidly changing market landscape.

Founded in 1993, Quiz has experienced a rollercoaster of fortunes over the years. The retailer's struggles are emblematic of the challenges confronting the UK high street as it grapples with the rise of ultra-fast-fashion brands like Shein, which have captured significant market share with their quick turnaround times and aggressive pricing strategies. In an era where online shopping continues to grow exponentially, many brick-and-mortar stores have found it increasingly difficult to maintain their customer base. As a result, Quiz's 40 physical stores and seven concessions across the UK are now engaged in clearance sales, with the aim of offloading inventory while navigating this tumultuous period.

The decision to enter administration was not made lightly. According to Interpath, the restructuring advisor managing Quiz's case, the retail environment has been particularly challenging. Alistair McAlinden, the joint administrator, noted, "With Quiz, the latest retailer to fall into administration, there's no doubt it's been a tough start to 2026 for the UK High Street." This sentiment reflects a broader trend observed across the retail landscape, where numerous well-known brands have faced similar fates due to changing consumer habits and economic pressures.

The administration process has led to the immediate closure of Quiz's online store, leaving many customers in a lurch regarding their recent purchases. The company has stated that any products bought on or after February 5 will not be eligible for returns unless they are faulty. Furthermore, customers who have already returned items purchased online but have yet to receive refunds will not be compensated by Quiz. Instead, they are advised to contact their card payment providers for assistance. This situation has understandably caused frustration among loyal customers who may have depended on Quiz for their fashion needs.

The impact of Quiz's administration extends beyond just job losses. It raises significant concerns about the future of the brand itself, which has undergone considerable changes in ownership and structure over the years. After listing on the London Stock Exchange in 2017 and raising over 100 million, Quiz faced its first administration in 2020. At that time, the company announced plans to close 82 of its shops in the UK and Ireland. However, it managed to buy back many of these locations, allowing it to renegotiate rental agreements with landlords. This strategy, while initially successful, has not been sufficient to stave off further financial difficulties.

In February 2025, Quiz entered administration again but was quickly acquired by Orion, a subsidiary of the company controlled by the founding family of Quiz. This acquisition allowed Quiz to continue operating 42 stores, but it also resulted in the loss of approximately 200 jobs as additional locations were shuttered. The latest round of redundancies, primarily affecting the company's head office in Glasgow and its distribution center in Bellshill, Lanarkshire, serves as a sobering reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by the retail sector.

As Quiz navigates this difficult chapter, the focus is now on how to manage its remaining operations. The administrators have expressed their intention to keep all stores and concessions in Ireland open for as long as possible while they explore options for the business's future. The hope is that by continuing to trade, Quiz may be able to find a path forward that allows it to emerge from this crisis. However, the uncertainty surrounding the brand's future looms large, and many employees may be left wondering about their next steps.

For employees affected by the redundancies, Interpath has promised to provide support during this challenging time. However, the fashion industry has been notoriously volatile, and Quiz's repeated struggles highlight the difficulties that even established brands face in a rapidly changing retail environment. The loss of jobs not only affects those directly employed by Quiz but also has a ripple effect on local economies, particularly in regions like Scotland where the company has a significant presence.

As clearance sales begin in Quiz's physical stores, customers are encouraged to take advantage of the opportunity to purchase items at reduced prices. However, the terms of these sales come with significant caveats. Refunds will not be provided for purchases made after the cutoff date, and customers should be aware that gift cards and credit notes will not be honored. This policy has raised questions about the treatment of loyal customers who have supported the brand over the years, adding to the frustration during an already challenging time.

The fashion landscape in the UK is evolving rapidly, and Quiz's situation serves as a cautionary tale for other retailers. As consumer preferences shift and competition intensifies, many brands must adapt to survive. The rise of e-commerce, changing shopping habits, and economic pressures have created a perfect storm for traditional retailers, and Quiz's struggles are indicative of a broader trend that could impact many other brands in the sector. Whether Quiz can find a way to reinvent itself and regain its footing in the market remains to be seen. For now, the focus is on managing the immediate fallout from the administration and providing support to those affected by the job losses.

Sources: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cdre12dnxlzo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss