David BaleA couple could be left hundreds of pounds out of pocket after paying in cash for a bed and wardrobe from a Norwich store - two months before its owners went into administration.David Bale

A couple could be left hundreds of pounds out of pocket after paying in cash for a bed and wardrobe from a Norwich store - two months before its owners went into administration.

A new buyer is still being sought for the former Co-op in St Stephen's Street, which is set to close after its owners Liverpool-based Vergo Retail called in administrators MCR earlier in the month after being hit by tough trading conditions.

Dale Moore and his partner Mandy Wright, both 45, paid �900 in cash for a bed and a wardrobe from the store on March 3.

The couple, from Supple Close, near the Heartsease roundabout, were told the bed would be delivered in eight weeks and the wardrobe in 12 weeks' time.

But when the first deadline passed they returned to the store when they were told they probably would not get the goods or the money back, because it had gone into administration.

Mr Moore, who decorated the bedroom especially awaiting the new furniture, is a full-time carer for his partner, who suffers from depression, and they have two grown-up children.

He said: 'It has hit us really hard. Obviously when we bought the furniture in March, we had no idea the store would go into administration two months later.

'We have filled in a form to get the money back and sent it to the administrators, but we have been told we might just get 20p in the pound. We have already had to borrow money because of this.

'Mandy had no real interest in the house before we bought the furniture, because of her depression, and was really looking forward to it.'

A full review of all customer orders is currently taking place by the administrators to determine which orders it is possible to fulfil.

A spokesman for MCR said today that customers with outstanding orders should download a form on the website or visit the store to pick up a form.

Customers could receive some money back, but the spokesman said they had 'unfortunately been sucked into the whole pot of creditors waiting to receive money'.

As reported in the Evening News, closing down sales have already started at all the firm's branches, including Norwich and Great Yarmouth town centre, but no closure date for the two stores has been announced.

To download an outstanding customer order form visit the website www.mcr.uk.com/mcr-appointed-administrators-for-vergo-retail-limited.html.

Have you been left out of pocket because of a business going into administration? Ring reporter David Bale on 01603 772427 or email david.bale2@archant.co.uk.