Godfreys franchisees to keep trading as company enters administration

Vacuum and cleaning retailer Godfreys Group has appointed voluntary administrators amid a struggle with profitability and sales. The administrators will be seeking to sell the business and its assets as a going concern.

Godfreys was established in Australia in 1931 and is one of the world’s largest vacuum retailers and suppliers of specialty commercial floor care and associated cleaning products in New Zealand and Australia. The administrators, PwC, said Godfreys operates 141 stores and employs more than 600 staff across Australia and New Zealand. It also has an additional 28 stores run by franchisees. In New Zealand, there are 16 company-operated and 9 franchised stores.

During the administration period, the Godfreys business will continue to trade while PwC undertakes an operational restructure and sale process.