British fashion retailer Quiz has entered administration for the third time since 2020, appointing Interpath Advisory to manage the insolvency process as of February 5, 2026. The move has resulted in the immediate redundancy of 109 employees at the company’s Glasgow headquarters and Bellshill distribution centre. While 40 physical stores and seven concessions remain open for clearance sales, the brand's online platform has been shuttered. Administrators cited a combination of "strong economic headwinds," including rising business rates, increased employment costs, and a poor Christmas trading period, as the primary drivers for the collapse. Interpath is currently assessing options for the business, though gift cards and refunds for previous purchases are no longer being honoured. This is reported by The WP Times, citing BBC.
The Financial Collapse of Quiz: Data and Decisions
The insolvency of Quiz marks a significant downturn for the brand, which listed on the London Stock Exchange in 2017 with a valuation exceeding £100 million. By early 2026, the company could no longer sustain its operations following a 12-month period of declining sales and rising overheads. The decision to enter administration follows a failed restructuring attempt in February 2025, when the brand was bought back by Orion, a subsidiary controlled by the founding family.
The current situation is characterized by a rapid shutdown of digital operations to preserve cash flow. Unlike previous administrations where the "online" wing remained a beacon of hope, the closure of the web store on February 5 indicates a more severe liquidity crisis. Administrators Alistair McAlinden and Blair Nimmo are now tasked with finding a buyer for the brand name and the remaining stock.
Comparative Analysis of Quiz Administrations (2020–2026)
To understand the severity of the current situation, it is necessary to compare the 2026 collapse with previous insolvency events. The diminishing scale of the business is evident in the store count and workforce numbers.
| Feature | 2020 Administration | 2025 Administration | 2026 Administration |
| Primary Trigger | COVID-19 Pandemic | Supply chain & Inflation | Christmas sales slump |
| Stores Affected | 82 Stores | 42 Stores | 40 Stores (Current) |
| Redundancies | 93 staff | 200 staff | 109 staff (Initial) |
| Outcome | Pre-pack buyback | Orion subsidiary buyback | Pending Assessment |
| Online Store | Remained Active | Remained Active | Immediately Closed |
Customer Rights and New Retail Policies
The administration has triggered immediate changes to consumer rights and store policies. Effective February 5, 2026, the retailer has significantly restricted how it interacts with its customer base to preserve remaining assets for creditors.
Refund and Return Restrictions
Customers who purchased items prior to the administration date are facing strict limitations. While exchanges for products bought before February 5 are still permitted in-person at the 40 remaining stores, cash or card refunds will not be issued. Furthermore, any purchases made during the "Clearance Sales" starting today are non-refundable unless the goods are proven faulty.
Gift Cards and Online Orders
Administrators from Interpath have confirmed that Quiz gift cards and existing credit notes are no longer being honoured. This move is standard in UK insolvency proceedings but often leaves consumers as "unsecured creditors" with little hope of reimbursement directly from the company. The online store has been taken offline to prevent further orders that cannot be fulfilled.
Guidance for Affected Stakeholders: Steps to Take
Stakeholders, including employees and customers in the United Kingdom, must act quickly to secure their financial interests. The following steps are recommended by consumer rights experts.
What Customers Should Do:
- Check Payment Method: If you have unfulfilled orders, contact your bank. Use the Chargeback scheme for debit cards or Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act for credit card purchases over £100.
- Visit Stores Promptly: Exchanges for older stock are only possible as long as stores remain trading. Once a store closes permanently, the value of your item is effectively lost.
- Avoid Gift Cards: Do not attempt to purchase gift cards from third-party resellers, as they will not be accepted at the checkout.
- Register as a Creditor: If you are owed a significant refund, contact Interpath Advisory at www.interpathadvisory.com to be added to the list of creditors.
What Redundant Employees Should Do:
- Redundancy Claims: Apply for statutory redundancy pay, notice pay, and holiday pay through the Insolvency Service.
- Access the Portal: Use the official UK government link: www.gov.uk/claim-redundancy.
- Obtain Case Reference: Contact the Interpath HR helpdesk to get the specific "CN" (Claim Number) required for the application.
- Job Search Support: Utilize the National Careers Service for immediate advice on transitioning to other retail roles within the UK market.
Market Context: The Decline of Mid-Market High Street Fashion
The fall of Quiz reflects a broader trend within the UK retail landscape. In 2026, mid-market retailers targeting the 16–35 age demographic are facing unprecedented competition from ultra-fast-fashion entities like Shein and Temu. These digital-first competitors operate with significantly lower overheads compared to Quiz’s brick-and-mortar model.
Rising business rates in 2025 and 2026, coupled with the recent increase in the National Living Wage, have placed immense pressure on retailers with large physical footprints. For Quiz, which specialized in "fashion-forward" evening and occasion wear, the shift toward casualization and online-only shopping proved insurmountable. The administration of Quiz follows other notable retail struggles in early 2026, suggesting that the "going concern" model for traditional high-street chains remains under threat.
The entry of Quiz into administration marks a critical juncture for the UK high street, signaling that even brands with established physical presences are no longer immune to the pressures of shifting consumer habits and rising operational costs. For the 40 communities across the UK where stores remain open, the immediate future involves clearance sales and potential vacant units, further challenging the stability of local commercial centers. This event serves as a definitive indicator of the harsh economic climate facing British retailers as they navigate the complexities of a post-inflationary market in 2026.
Read about the life of Westminster and Pimlico district, London and the world. 24/7 news with fresh and useful updates on culture, business, technology and city life: Keir Starmer under pressure as No 10 backs McSweeney amid Mandelson scandal
