A further 76 Clinton Cards stores to close

Zolfo Cooper said: “Regrettably, due to deteriorating market conditions there has been no interest in the purchase of the last of the former Clinton Cards estate as a going concern.”

Zolfo Cooper partner Peter  Saville said: “It is with regret that we have had to take the decision to close the remaining stores.

“We are nonetheless pleased that in an extremely challenging retail environment we were able to effect the sale of almost 400 stores thus preserving something in the region of 4,500 jobs.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the employees of the former Clinton Cards business we have worked with during the administration period for their professionalism and dedication and to wish them well for the future.”

Clintons collapsed into administration in May. Subsequently one of its suppliers, US giant American Greetings, bought 397 stores, preserving about 4,500 jobs across the UK.