A Change of (Motorcycle) Clothing
J&S prepare for the re-launching of Hein Gericke this month
John Newman
In the week before Christmas motorcycle clothing company Hein Gericke went into administration for the second time in sixteen months. They closed thirteen of their remaining branches in the UK with their Glasgow, Stockwell and Farnborough stores staying open in the run up to the New Year.
Hein Gericke was a German company, but like so many businesses it was bought by an equity investment organisation (2012): in this case a Swiss based outfit called General Equity Group AG. In a bid to save the company their UK stores were reduced from forty-nine to sixteen just over a year ago.
In the run up to Christmas Hein Gericke finally went into administration. Staff were told to go home and that they were no longer employed by the company.
J&S take over
It has recently been confirmed that twelve of the sixteen stores that remained before December have been taken over by J&S Accessories, a company whose retail presence has been growing steadily over the past ten years or so.
The problems that arose during the administrative and take over period of Hein Gericke did not only trouble their staff; customers who had vouchers to spend in their stores became worried about their validity as speculation arose that they would not be redeemable. J&S have since stated:
“We can confirm we will honour Hein Gericke vouchers to a value of 50% with a minimum spend of £250.”
J&S will re-brand the stores which include Hanger Lane, Gants Hill and Stockwell in London, Braintree, Aberdeen, Glasgow, Farnborough, Leeds, Leicester, Maidstone, Oxford and Preston. Existing staff will be re-employed by J&S where possible as they hope to get the newly acquired premises open and running this month. Details will be on their website as soon as re-opening is confirmed.
We wish J&S and their new staff members the best of luck!
Wemoto
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