CARLOW-BASED HOME and garden store Rathwood has entered examinership, stating it is unable to offer customers refunds at present.

In a statement published to its website, it confirmed it has entered examinership but continues to “trade as normal and operate fully in accordance with all applicable laws”.

“Our business remains open, and we are continuing to sell goods and engage with customers and stakeholders as usual.

“At this time, we regret that we are not in a position to address any outstanding payments or refund requests relating to amounts owed up to today,” it continued, saying this will be reviewed as part of the examinership process and further updates will be issued in due course.

An examinership is a legal process allowing insolvent companies to restructure under court protection for up to 100-150 days. It allows them to avoid liquidation while maintaining trading control.

As part of the process, an independent examiner is appointed who develops a “scheme of arrangement” to reorganise debts.

The company’s customer service helpline states when called that it is experiencing a high level of calls.

The company has faced significant difficulties in recent times: it faced action from the Consumer and Competition Protection Commission (CCPC) in March of this year for failing to reimburse applicable customers, and last year it was second only to Ryanair for consumer complaints. 

A Facebook group, Rathwood Refund Requesters, has over 650 members who have detailed their difficulties in securing refunds for purchases worth hundreds of euro over the past number of months.

Some have reported that they have received refunds after lengthy processes, or have been told by staff they will receive refunds. 

The company has over 100 employees.

The Journal has contacted Rathwood for comment.