Shock for Kildare customers as Rathwood makes announcement
In a statement published on its website, the company, which is based outside Tullow, says while it continues to trade, it will not be issuing refunds owed to customers who placed orders that were never delivered
Rathwood, the well-known garden centre and outdoor furniture retailer in County Carlow, has announced it has formally entered Examinership, a legal process that allows a financially distressed, yet viable, company to obtain court protection from its creditors in an effort to restructure.
In a statement published on its website, the company, which is based outside Tullow, says while it continues to trade, it will not be issuing refunds owed to customers who placed orders that were never delivered.
Rathwood, which employs around 100 people, is a family-owned business which opened in 1994.
The full statement, published its website reads:
"Rathwood has formally entered into Examinership. We want to reassure all our customers, suppliers, and partners that we continue to trade as normal and operate fully in accordance with all applicable laws. Our business remains open, and we are continuing to sell goods and engage with customers and stakeholders as usual.
"At this time, we regret that we are not in a position to address any outstanding payments or refund requests relating to amounts owed up to today. These matters will be reviewed as part of the Examinership process, and we will provide further updates once the appointed persons have completed their initial report."
Customers who have queries relating to the process, are being advised to email at [email protected].
The company says it appreciates customers' understanding and the continued support during the current period.
Earlier this month, Rathwood was named by Competition and Consumer Protection Commission the as the second-most complained about company during 2025.
Previously, the company accepted it had issues with delays in orders being delivered and that there were slow response times in issuing refunds.