AN ELECTRICAL goods retailer with a store in Chingford has called in the administrators.

Empire Direct was based in Leeds, but had 14 stores across the UK, including one in the Corktree Retail Park, which were forced to close.

Administrators KPMG said the chain had been "severely affected" by the recent economic slump.

It advertised itself the UK's biggest independent retailer of electrical goods with a turnover of £150 million but now, nearly half of its 350 staff have been made redundant.

Joint administrator and KPMG restructuring partner Mark Firmin said: "Within the first few weeks of the administration, we are aiming to contact all customers who have paid for goods which they have not received.

"Low stock levels and operating losses mean the business cannot continue to trade in administration."

The firm had been established for 25 years and traded mainly online.