THE last five TJ Hughes stores still trading in administration will close next week.

Administrator Ernst & Young said it had been unable to find a buyer for the remaining shops, and closing down sales will commence ahead of their last day of trading on August 31.

The stores are situated in Doncaster, Bradford, Sunderland, Lichfield and Wrexham, and a total of 263 jobs will be lost when they close.

TJ’s was placed into administration by its board on June 30, after suffering continued trading losses.

The business had debts of £433.5m, with only a handful of secured creditors likely to receive anything.

TJ’s had 57 stores around the UK, employing 3,497 staff.

When the final stores close next week, only six of the original portfolio will remain after a £1.65m takeover by Speke-based retailer and importer Benross Group rescued the sites and jobs.

Benross managing director Anil Juneja bought the stores, including the flagship London Road site, in Liverpool, and the TJ’s brand, as part of a plan to revive the chain’s name.

Mr Juneja’s other stores are situated in Eastbourne, Sheffield, Glasgow, Widnes and Newcastle.

Joint administrator Tom Jack said: “A purchaser for these remaining stores was not found, and regrettably we have had to schedule these final store closures.

“We are extremely grateful to the employees and management at all the group’s stores for their loyalty and support during this very difficult time.”