Fired Earth, a well-known British homeware brand specialising in luxury tiles and interior design products, has closed all 26 of its UK stores following entry into administration. The company has made 133 employees redundant, retaining only its head office and warehouse in Banbury to fulfil outstanding orders.
Founded in 1983 with a focus on terracotta tiles sourced from an Oxfordshire farm, Fired Earth expanded into a leading design brand on the British high street. It formed exclusive partnerships, including a notable collaboration with Marks & Spencer. At its peak, Fired Earth operated 26 showrooms nationwide and supplied 22 independent stockists, alongside two international stores in Denmark and Norway.
Stores closing across the UK include locations in Harrogate, Bath, Bristol, Exeter, Cheltenham, Truro, Nottingham, Chester, and Knutsford. On 31 October, Leonard Curtis administrators Alex Cadwallader and Dane O’Hara were appointed to oversee the process. Mr O’Hara explained that Fired Earth had struggled with losses for several years, despite shareholder support aimed at restoring profitability. “Unfortunately, continuing trading losses and withdrawal of investor funding led to this outcome,” he said.
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Although the company generated £15 million in turnover in 2024, it posted losses of £1.6 million that year, intensifying its financial challenges. With negotiations underway for the sale of assets, an undisclosed buyer has reportedly purchased the company’s stock. However, the business remains operational in a limited capacity solely to complete existing customer orders. Notices at former showroom locations, such as the one in Harrogate, inform customers the showrooms are closed and new orders cannot be taken.
The closure of Fired Earth echoes wider high street difficulties, as rising operational costs, increased taxes, and shifting consumer habits, including the rise of online shopping, continue to pressure traditional retailers. Industry experts note the significant challenges for high street businesses today, with the Centre for Retail Research predicting over 17,000 store closures in 2024, compared to 13,479 in 2023.
The growing dominance of online giants, exemplified by Amazon’s 15.4% profit increase in 2024, and the recent rise in National Insurance contributions for employers—from 13.8% to 15%—have further strained retail operations. Fired Earth’s administration highlights the ongoing hurdles faced by heritage homeware brands and the UK’s high street economy.