Further 70 Pumpkin Patch stores to close

Pumpkpin Patch store
Pumpkin Patch and Charlie and Me stores are to close this month (File)

Receivers have announced the closure of another 70 Pumpkin Patch and Charlie and Me stores across Australia and New Zealand.

The stores will close by January 31, and include two earthquake-damaged stores which are currently closed.

Up to 560 jobs will be lost across the company. Head office staff have also been given notice that their employment will also come to an end over the next few weeks.

Receiver Neale Jackson says the closures were signalled as early as November 2016 when the business failed to find a buyer.

"All Pumpkin Patch staff are aware that the business is closing down and that stores will gradually close as stock is sold. Staff have been advised of impending closure dates and have access to EAP support services."

Mr Jackson says staff will have holiday pay and outstanding wages paid out.

"We have successfully traded stores through the traditional holiday period and stock levels are now considerably reduced. The balance of stock will be consolidated in the remaining stores as the receivership enters its final phase.

"This has been a very difficult time for all Pumpkin Patch staff. We acknowledge and thank them for continuing to work diligently to see the closure process through," Mr Jackson said.

The remaining 56 stores will close as and when stock is sold, through to mid-February.

Newshub.