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UK Sneaker Marketplace Laced Enters Administration After 11 Years

Laced Europe Ltd, a UK-based online marketplace known for authenticated rare trainers, streetwear and luxury goods, has entered administration and is set to close down after 11 years in business.

The platform connected buyers and sellers of limited-edition sneakers and other collectible items from major brands including Nike, Adidas, Air Jordan, New Balance, ASICS, Supreme and UGG, with each product verified before being delivered to customers across the UK and Europe.

According to a notice published in The Gazette, Terri Mulgrew and Michael Kiely of Quantuma Advisory Limited were appointed as joint administrators of the company on September 22. Companies House records also show an active proposal to strike the company off the register.

Company Faces Dissolution

A government notice states that unless a reason is shown otherwise, the company will be struck off the register and dissolved no less than two months from September 29, 2026. Once dissolved, any remaining property or rights held by the company would be classified as bona vacantia and pass to the Crown.

Despite the administration filing, the Laced website and app remained active at the time of reporting, though the company’s future operations are uncertain.

Photo by Stanislav Kondratiev on Pexels

Part of a Wider Wave of UK Retail Closures

Laced’s collapse adds to a difficult year for retailers and other businesses on the UK high street. Several major chains, including LK Bennett, Claire’s and Quiz, have closed all their remaining stores after entering administration in 2026. Fashion retailer Leading Labels is also winding down its final 15 stores following a liquidation filing in May.

Other sectors have also been affected. Whitbread recently closed all of its standalone UK restaurant brands, while charity retailer British Heart Foundation and retailer TG Jones are each closing around 150 stores. Wynsors World of Shoes is shutting 17 locations, with closing sales already underway.

The UK travel and aviation sectors have seen similar disruption, with several travel companies ceasing operations or entering administration this year, and four airlines — Ascend Airways, EcoJet Airlines, Zenith Aviation and European Cargo — falling into liquidation or administration.

Elsewhere in retail, delivery firm Yodel is being phased out following its acquisition by InPost, and fashion brand Nasty Gal has shut down its website after being sold by Debenhams in a deal reported to be worth around £12 million (US$16 million).

Not all the news from the UK retail sector has been negative this year, with brands such as Joules, Aldi, M&S and Superdrug announcing new store openings, and previously closed brands Evans and Bodycare returning to the high street.


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Timothy Campbell writes about business in Canada — the deals, the disruptions, and the people making them happen. He's covered everything from scrappy Toronto startups to the entrenched giants of energy and finance, always looking for the story behind the numbers. Outside of writing, he spends time helping early founders figure out how to talk about what they're building.