Two Lynn stores belonging to national chains which are currently in administration are continuing to trade while efforts are made to find them new owners and save about 20 jobs locally.
Administrators Deloitte have been called in by music and DVD chain HMV and movies and games rental firm Blockbuster, who have premises in Lynn’s High Street and Railway Road respectively.
Over the weekend, Deloitte confirmed plans to shut 129 Blockbuster stores as part of a phased closure, in addition to 31 which had already been put on notice of closure.
But yesterday a spokesman for the administrators said Lynn’s Blockbuster, which has seven employees, was not one of those facing the axe.
It is one of 100 stores, with “significant support” from their landlords, which are currently being evaluated.
He said: “For the foreseeable future it will carry on as it is and operating as normal.”
Meanwhile, Deloitte has said that HMV will start accepting gift vouchers in stores from today, after an assessment of the firm’s finances.
Previously, it had stopped the 12 to 15 staff at the Lynn store from redeeming the gift cards, leading to anger among many customers and employees facing verbal abuse.
Talks are continuing to try and find a buyer and there are 50 separate groups or individuals said to be interested in buying all, or part, of HMV.
Joint administrator Nick Edwards said: “We will continue to assess the longer term options for the business whilst continuing to trade. I am hopeful this process will result in the business continuing as a going concern.”
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