High street giant Next has bought struggling retailer Cath Kidston out of administration for £8.5m. Next will buy the brand name but all four Cath Kidston stores will close putting 125 jobs at risk once the stock is sold off. Founded in 1993 by its eponymous founder, Cath Kidston became known for its floral vintage home-furnishing patterns. But like many retailers it was hit hard by the pandemic and filed for administration in 2020. It was bought by investor Hilco Capital in June last year. In recent years Next has taken advantage of the slew of high street collapses to add to its stable of brands. The company has taken over fashion group Joules, furniture brand Made.com and maternity retailer JoJo Maman Bebe.