MAPLIN staff said it remained “business as usual” today – despite the firm crashing into administration.

The electronics retailer, which has more than 200 stores across the UK, announced this morning that talks with potential buyers had collapsed.

Maplin boss Graham Harris blamed weak consumer confidence, a slump in pound and the withdrawal of credit insurance.

He said: “We believe passionately that Maplin has a place on the High Street and that our trust, credibility and expertise meets a customer need that is not supported elsewhere.”

Accountancy firm PwC have been appointed as administrators.

This afternoon, staff at the Swindon branch of Maplin said it was “business as usual”. There were no signs outside the Greenbridge Retail Park store telling customers that the firm had collapsed.

Regular Maplin shopper Chris Shepherd, 58, from Inglesham, said it “would be a concern” to him if the store was to shut.

“I buy a lot of stuff from them – computer equipment and hard drives,” he said. “The staff know what they’re on about.”