Oasis and Warehouse under pressure as credit insurer pulls cover

By

Barbara Santamaria

Published
Oct 18, 2018

Fashion brands Oasis and Warehouse have seen a string of credit insurers stop offering cover to their suppliers amid concerns over the financial health of the businesses.

Last week’s collapse of occasion wear brand Coast, previously owned by the same parent company Aurora Fashions, is understood to have triggered the decision, reported the Evening Standard.

Credit insurers including Atradius, Coface and Euler Hermes have abandoned the high street fashion brands in a move that will likely put a strain on their cash reserves. Credit insurance is designed to protect suppliers against trade credit risks such as a customer's failure or inability to pay an invoice, and without it, suppliers can demand payment upfront.

The news comes during a week of changes at Oasis and Warehouse with CEO Liz Evans announcing she is leaving the companies to join fashion rival FatFace. Evans will be replaced by Hash Ladha, who will be promoted from chief operating officer to chief executive.

Coast was acquired by Karen Millen immediately after falling into administration on Thursday, but its retail stores were not included in the deal, resulting in the closure of 24 stores and the loss of 300 jobs.

Under Karen Millen, it will trade primarily through various websites, in concessions across the UK and via wholesale and franchise partners.