Molly's Den company collapses after shotgun death of owner
A VINTAGE sales operation in Christchurch has collapsed following the company behind it going into administration after its owner shot himself.
Molly’s Den rented out an area of the Emporium shopping village in Bridge Street, but has now cleared out. The business’s other sites in Winchester and Bournemouth have also ceased trading, and all 26 staff have been made redundant.
The administration comes around two months after the death of Molly’s Den owner, John East-Rigby (65).
As reported in the A&T, the opening of his inquest heard he shot himself in the head at his home near Ringwood on 8th May.
The shopping centre in Christchurch, though, is unaffected, its general manager Tracey Hadfield stressed to the A&T.
“This is a standalone business and totally unaffected by Molly’s Den entering administration – they only rented an area of our building,” she said.
“Their trader’s position within our building is totally secure.”
Molly’s Den’s troubles were first confirmed by restructuring firm RSM, which said in a statement: “Trading at all of the company’s sites ceased on 2nd July 2019.
“Our agents, Proudley Associates, are liaising with traders in order to have their goods collected and can be contacted on 01425 200 366.
“Any parties wishing to express an interest in acquiring the company’s business and assets, which are currently being assessed, should contact Proudley Associates.”
Since then, a buyer has been found for Molly’s Den in Bournemouth, and staff there will be given their jobs back.
Mr East-Rigby, who described himself as a serial entrepreneur on his LinkedIn profile, took over Molly’s Den in October 2017, christening it MD Emporium Ltd.
He founded classiccarsforsale.co.uk in 2004 and was its managing director for seven years.
Molly’s Den first launched in 2012, offering traders space to sell a wide range of items including retro furniture, vintage clothing, records, collectables and antiques.
It had a store in New Milton, which closed in early 2017.
The full inquest into Mr East-Rigby’s death is due to be held on 26th September.
