OVER 100 Ethel Austin stores have closed across the UK - including the Ruthin store.
MCR, the administrators of value clothing retailer Ethel Austin and its sister company Au Naturale, confirmed the imminent closure of 114 stores.
This follows a statement earlier this month announcing that 129 retail outlets were to begin closing down sales.
Most of the 114 stores ceased trading at the end of February, the Ruthin store closed on Saturday, February 27.
A total of 1,048 positions will be made redundant.
Geoff Bouchier, joint administrator and partner of MCR, said: "In light of the current economic climate these stores identified for closure did not attract a purchaser.
“Regrettably, as a result of their current financial performance, these stores will shortly cease to trade.
"The remaining 162 stores will continue to operate as usual while a purchaser for the rest of the businesses as a going concern is sought.”
In June 2002, the Austin family sold the business to a management team backed by Lloyds TSB Development Capital (LDC) for £55 million.
Less than two years later, ABN-AMRO Capital bought the business for £122.5 million.
The company first went into administration in April 2008, but was saved the following month, with a promise to return to its former glory.
But, closing down sales were announced at the beginning of February 2010.
"We are still hopeful of selling the remaining business and discussions are ongoing with a number of interested parties,” said Geoff Bouchier, partner at MCR.