Phones4u is preparing to shut down all its 550 stores after the withdrawal of EE and Vodafone.
Phones4u indicated their shock at the decision by the two providers as they were told that they would remain a long-term strategic partner.
Administrators are preparing to have discussions with possible buyers before deciding whether the 720 outlets, including 550 stores, will be able to reopen for trading.
The employees at the company attended work as normal on Monday morning, before being briefed by management staff at both head office and in-store. The staff will continue to receive salaries until further notice and it is not known how many jobs will be saved. However, without suitable operators, the future looks bleak.
Consumers who purchased contracts through Phones4u will be unaffected. The networks will continue to honor the contracts they currently have. Unfortunately, it has become extremely difficult for customers to contact the customer service team and the company’s website is no longer operative.
For those customers who ordered the new iPhone 6 and have already paid for it, Phones4u will refund the sum in full.
Customers who signed up for Life Mobile, Phones4u’s own mobile phone network will continue to receive service, although Life Mobile has also gone into administration.
18 SEPTEMBER 2014, United Kingdom