Jobs fears as Julian Graves food shops in trouble

Julian Graves health food shops have gone into administration, it emerged today, putting more than 360 jobs across a total of 189 stores at risk.

The company, which was originally based in Brierley Hill, has shops in the Merry Hill shopping centre, Walsall, Lichfield, Kidderminster, Brewood and Bridgnorth.

Administrators from Deloitte said that the retailer has been adversely affected by the tough economic climate, in particular, the ongoing pressure on consumer spending, a competitive high street trading environment, and rising commodity prices.

Administrator Chris Farrington said: "Our priority is to assess the financial position of Julian Graves."

Julian Graves, based in Nuneaton, is the sister company of Holland & Barrett and both are owned by NBTY Europe.

NBTY Europe acquired Julian Graves from defunct Icelandic investment vehicle Baugur in 2008 in a distressed purchase. It is understood to have been loss-making since it was acquired, losing around £2m for the last few years.