Specialist bathroom chain Bathstore has collapsed into administration, casting doubt over the future of its store in Carlisle.

The business, which counts its outlet on Currock Trade Centre, in Currock Road as one of its 135 nationwide, will continue trading while administrators at BDO seek a rescue buyer.

Outstanding customer orders will be fulfilled subject to available stock, the company said, but all installation services have ceased immediately.

The collapse comes after a failed sales process for the business, which has been owned by American billionaire Warren Stephens since he backed a management buyout in 2014.

Ryan Grant, business restructuring partner at BDO, said: “Despite significant investment into the business over the past five years, Bathstore has struggled to overcome the well-documented challenges facing the UK retail sector.

“The appointment was made after several months of difficult trading, and the failure of ongoing talks to find a buyer for the business.

“Bathstore is continuing to trade in administration, whilst the administrators seek a buyer.”

Bathstore employs 531 people across its stores and head office in Welwyn Garden City.

Speculation has grown during the week over the future of the chain after media reports that BDO was being lined up to handle the administration.

It now joins the likes of Toys R Us and Maplin, who have both entered administration in the last 18 months.

Both the entertainment and electrical retailers have closed their premises in Carlisle, with Maplin also shutting its store in Barrow.

They are part of a growing list of high street casualties as consumers hold back on making major purchases amid economic uncertainty.