Frasers appoints administrators for Kids Cavern and Base Childrenswear

Frasers Group has put Kids Cavern and Base Childrenswear into administration after acquiring both companies from JD Sports for £47.5 million in December 2022.

Michael Lennon and Benjamin Wiles of Kroll Advisory have been appointed as joint administrators to the two retailers, which specialise in designer clothing for children.

Kids Cavern and Base Childrenswear were among 14 brands purchased by Frasers Group from JD Sports. The acquisition also included Tessuti, Choice, Clothingsites, Cricket, Giulio, Watch Shop, Missy Empire, Pretty Green, Scotts, and Topgrade Sportswear.

Kids Cavern boasts three stores in Manchester, Liverpool and Newcastle. The Manchester location now also trades as Flannels Junior. As of last week, closing down sales have commenced in all seven stores.

Base Childrenswear, which rebranded as Flannels Junior last summer, has four stores in Westfield London, Westfield Stratford, Bluewater and Birmingham.

According to Companies House, Base Childrenswear's finances for the year ending 29 January 2022 reflected a "challenging" environment. However, it reported a turnover of £13.4 million, up from £11.8 million the year prior. Meanwhile, Base sliced operating losses from £746,000 to £387,000.

The news comes just weeks after Frasers also set out to appoint administrators for Matches. The retailer filed an intent to appoint administrators amid continuing losses and several brands terminating their relationships.