Smiffys has cited the Covid pandemic and supply chain disruption for the move, though it insists it is working to secure a ‘sustainable business for the future’.

The Leeds-based dress-up specialist Smiffys has filed a notice of intention to appoint administrators.

Established in 1894, Smiffys has more than 2,000 stockists worldwide and distribution centres in the UK, Poland, Australia, US and China. Headquartered in its 13,000sq ft creative hub in Leeds, Smiffys employs more than 150 people globally.

According to the company’s latest full accounts, for the year ended 31st March 2023, the company made a pre-tax loss of £3.7m (vs. 2022, when the company made £92,090 profit).

In an official statement, Smiffys said: “Following four extremely challenging years as a result of the pandemic, the subsequent supply chain crisis, and the ongoing inflationary burden on both businesses and consumers, Smiffys was required to take the difficult decision to file a notice of intention to appoint administrators.

This does not mean the company is in administration; rather, this allows Smiffys to explore a number of potential options, with the ultimate aim of securing a sustainable business for the future.

The statement concluded: “Smiffys will continue to trade and fulfil orders as normal during this time, and we would like to take this opportunity to thank our talented Smiffys team and loyal customers for their ongoing support.”