Dozens of jobs at crisis-hit department store Allders could be saved after rival retailers took over its shops.

Staff at three outlets in Sussex feared their jobs were under threat after stores were taken into administration.

However, 24 stores have been bought by other companies.

Bhs took over ten outlets across the UK, including the Westhampnet Road branch in Chichester where 57 staff remain following six redundancies on Friday.

Debenhams added eight stores to its portfolio and Primark purchased six.

Adminstrators Kroll is now looking at options for the Allders head office in Croydon and the remaining 21 stores.

These include the Horsham Retail Park branch in Blackhorse Way where 12 out of 49 employees were made redundant and the Kingsgate Development branch in Queensway, Crawley, where all 29 staff still have jobs.

The administrators said the redundancies made on Friday - which are spread across most of its 45 stores - were necessary to remove overstaffing.

The 143-year-old business went into administration last month after falling victim to tough trading conditions and the failure of its owners to find a buyer.

Andrew Pepper, of Kroll, said: "Completing these deals quickly was imperative as timely sales have helped maximise the retained value in the business for the benefit of creditors."

It is hoped the stores will be handed over to their new owners by the end of next month, although some may close temporarily for a refit and the addition of new fascia.

Tuesday February 15, 2005