Ilva Furniture, which fell into administration last month, is to shut its three UK stores after a buyer could not be found.

About 400 employees will lose their jobs when the stores at Thurrock, Manchester and Gateshead are shut over the coming weeks.

Kroll’s corporate advisory and restructuring group handled the administration.

Kroll partner Peter Saville said: “All employees have been made aware of the situation and a wind-down programme is being implemented at each of the stores. We are grateful for the ongoing understanding and support of employees, customers and suppliers throughout this difficult time.”

The Icelandic-owned retailer launched in the UK just two years ago. Poor trading was blamed for forcing a “strategic withdrawal”.

Ilva is continuing to fulfil customer orders in the normal course of trading. Any customers with concerns about their orders should contact the retailer on +44 (0) 845 245 8285.

Other retailers to have slipped into administration in recent weeks include Floors-2-Go, The General Trading Company and ScS.