A popular Footscray supermarket is up for sale after being placed into administration.
Grocery and hardware giant Metcash called in administrators on Thursday to examine the finances and manage the sale of the Sims IGA Plus Liquor stores in Footscray and Werribee.
Metcash spokeswoman Samantha Maslen confirmed insolvency firm Rodgers Reidy has been appointed to handle the matter, after earlier this year taking over as administrators of Watersun Homes.
Directors Shane Cremin and Gary Fettes, who have taken administration of the two stores, have moved to assure staff and customers it will be business as usual for the time being.
Mr Cremin told Star Weekly staff are continuing to restock shelves and the stores will continue trading as a buyer is sought.
“We are reviewing the business and conducting a marketing and sale campaign for the business as a going concern,” he said.
“This is only day two, so our investigations are continuing but we are keeping the doors open.
“If we can achieve a sale and look after jobs and suppliers it will be a good result.”
Mr Cremin said the business does not own the freehold for the two stores, but the administrators will be “dealing with the landlords” as part of the process.
Staff have been briefed on the situation.
