CUSTOMERS with goods ordered at Hampshire branches of ailing furniture chain Klaussner must wait to see if they will get their money back after it collapsed into administration for the second time in as many years.

Fewer than ten Hampshire staff are thought to have lost their jobs after the Hedge End and Farnborough branches closed their doors permanently.

All 29 shops have been closed by administrators at DTE Leonard Curtis, and only a skeleton staff at head office has been retained. In total more than 200 people have lost their jobs.

The move leaves customers with goods on order at the chain wondering whether they have lost their money.

A spokesman for the firm said: "It is right to say that the administrators will do their utmost to fulfil outstanding orders but is too early to say exactly what will happen at the moment."

Administrators are selling off assets of the business, and are not trying to sell it as a going concern.

The company, which posted a turnover of £27m in the period to December 2006, went into administration in 2005 when it was bought by its German sister firm, although 46 stores closed. Joint administrator Andrew Poxon said: "The company has suffered from intense competition in the sector, which is likely to continue for the remaining operators."

Administrators have written to most customers affected. For more information write to DTE Leonard Curtis, DTE House, Hollins Mount, Bury, Greater Manchester, BL9 8AT.