Fashion business brothers' thanks as company closes

Owner says robbery and poor decisions caused downturn

- BY JAMIE GREER [e-mail] @CheshireLive

A FASHION business is closing down just over a year after receiving £100,000 of investment on BBC show Dragons Den.

Luxe Collective, established by Formby brothers Ben and Joe Gallagher in 2018, gained success by selling second hand 'pre-loved' luxury goods.

Last week, TikTok videos from some former employees of the brand claimed all staff members had been made redundant.

In a lengthy statement, Ben said a break-in at the business' warehouse in Ormskirk in July last year was a major factor in the decision but admitted he had gone on to make decisions he now regrets.

He added that customers who contact the business about their orders would receive responses in due course.

Ben said: "Luxe Collective is closing down. I never thought I'd have to say this but the company I created seven years ago at just 18 years old will no longer exist.

"After a year-long fight after we were broken into last year, in which both me and my brother were doing all we could just to get us through to the next day, we are no longer able to continue.

"The last year has been the most painful in my life and to be truly honest, whilst I'm talking to you now, I'm overwhelmed with relief - I've never been so mentally and physically drained, stressed and anxious.

"Fighting daily just to keep the lights on has really taken a lot out of us. We have tried every single avenue we possibly could to carry on - but we've finally been defeated.