Harveys & Bensons in Liquidation? 17 June 2020 at 11:28AM in Shop but don't drop 9 replies 1.3K views

Lisa46

Hi! Back in February we ordered some furniture from our local branch of Harveys, using their interest free credit as payment. Delivery was expected in May but we were not too concerned because of Covid. We are trying to contact them for an update but can't get through on the phone, by email or FB and now we see that they may be liquidated. Is anyone else in the same position that could offer us any advice, please? Many thanks.

Crimson60

Is it O.K. to ask where you saw that Bensons/Harveys may be liquidated, please?

I paid a deposit in March and the delivery was delayed because the factory had closed.

After reading your post, Lisa46, I have asked a question on the Credit Card section.

Thank you.

Crimson

djpleasure

https://www.retailgazette.co.uk/blog/2020/06/harveys-bensons-beds-pre-pack-administration-deal-alteri-job-cuts/

The parent company of Harveys and Bensons for Beds is reportedly close to launching a major restructure that could potentially lead to the loss of 700 jobs.

According to Sky News, Alteri Investors, a specialist firm known for turning around troubled retailers, is looking to reacquire Bensons for Beds through a pre-pack insolvency process.

However, this means stablemate Harveys could potentially be liquidated unless an alternative buyer steps forward to acquire it.

Crimson60

djpleasure said:

https://www.retailgazette.co.uk/blog/2020/06/harveys-bensons-beds-pre-pack-administration-deal-alteri-job-cuts/

The parent company of Harveys and Bensons for Beds is reportedly close to launching a major restructure that could potentially lead to the loss of 700 jobs.

According to Sky News, Alteri Investors, a specialist firm known for turning around troubled retailers, is looking to reacquire Bensons for Beds through a pre-pack insolvency process.

However, this means stablemate Harveys could potentially be liquidated unless an alternative buyer steps forward to acquire it.

Thanks for posting this, djpleasure.  The store I walked into to place my order was Harveys but adjoined Bensons with a walk through opening. The till was, I think, in Bensons and my receipt from the store is Bensons.  Bensons is also listed on my credit card bill from paying my deposit.

Do you happen to know if this situation will mean that I should wait for my order to be 'picked up' by any new company taking over Bensons?  The shop is still closed at present.  I like the furniture I have ordered but, with the delay and in the light of this 'change' I'm beginning to think I would really prefer to cancel my order completely (if allowed) and purchase later when things are more stable.  If allowed at all I cannot cancel in the shop as it is closed just now and communication with Benson's is extremely difficult.

If I can get through I'll see what my credit card company say.

I'll be glad to know what your think, djpleasure.  I have posted separately on the Credit Card forum.

Crimson

Jambobabi

We are in the same boat. Ordered in January, paid in full and now rumours of administration. Impossible to speak to anyone and get an answer so far. Been told my sofa was still in China! Then told they just couldn't deliver because of covid. But I've seen on trustpilot that people are receiving deliveries! Very worrying as it's a lot of money to lose. 
Submitted 3 unanswered complaints to date, it will be the furniture ombudsman next

Crimson60

I am very sorry to hear that Jambobabi.  I have posted on the Credit Card Forum and the people there are also very helpful.  If you paid by credit card you might, like me, get help on the Credit Card Forum.

I hope so much that you do not lose your payment.

Crimson

Jambobabi

An update on our order. Managed to get to speak to someone in sales and was offered 10% back if we didn't cancel the order (£180). Apparently our sofas will be in stock on 9th July and will be delivered 2 or 3 days after this date. The guy on the phone assured me that all orders will be fulfilled, and explained that the showrooms aren't open yet because it is their quietest time of year. So they are taking 'advantage' of the furlough scheme for as long as possible. Hopefully we will receive the sofas soon, but will call back and cancel if I hear any other worrying news in the press. Fingers crossed we are OK! 

Retired_at_55

That is encouraging and good to hear, Jambobabi, please let us know how things work out and I hope you are pleased with your new sofas.

Retired at 55

Peanutsclare

I ordered my new sofa just before lock down paying half the value up front with my credit card.  I spoke with the branch I ordered from this morning and they have confirmed I should expect the delivery approx 3SEP20. I still plan on processing the order with Harveys and also have the security of knowing that if this goes belly up I will get the full refund on the card.  My question is if I encounter any problems with the sofa during/post delivery the warranty (I assume) will be null and void, but does anyone know if we can make any claim through the administrators on a warranty?  Or if there are any alternative channels to go down should this be an issue?  Also, the company line this morning was if (as a customer) I choose to cancel the order, I would loose 20% of the deposit paid as the sofa is in manufacturing production already, not sure (under the circumstances) this is legal or not?  Please can you advise,.  Thanks in advance...... 

Crimson60

I am sorry I don't know the answer, Peanutsclare, but, same as you, I'll be very interested if anyone knows.  I had not thought about post delivery warrenty.  20% is a lot to lose.  I have not cancelled yet but my Credit Card provider is looking into it (can take up to 8 weeks) and I think there is no certainty about return of deposit if it is disputed by the company.

As, like me, you paid your deposit by credit card, maybe the "Credit Cards" forum would know.

I hope everything goes well for you Peanutsclare and I'll keep checking here in case anyone has the answer you are looking for.

Crimson