A furniture chain on the brink of collapsing has been saved, but its founding branch will remain closed.

Dwell, which first started trading from a single store in Balham, ceased trading last month.

Five stores reopened last Saturday, alongside the online store after founder Aamir Ahman returned to lead the company.

Dwell is now trading in Tottenham Court Road, Westfield White City, Westfield Stratford, Barton Square in Manchester and Lakeside in Thurrock.

But its founding store in Balham High Road, is to remain closed.

Mr Ahmad said: "Our priority lies with the customers and suppliers who have been let down by the former management.

"We are working hard to try and resolve the issues, in particular outstanding customer orders. 

"Although we are not legally obliged to, we are doing everything we can to find a solution for customers who have lost out. 

"Our primary goal is to help customer and suppliers regain their trust in the dwell brand."

Mr Ahmad founded Dwell with his family and friends in 2003, but was replaced in November last year.

Advice to customers who have outstanding orders will be available on the company's social media platforms.

The company's most recent accounts showed Dwell had £11.7m of debt due for repayment over the next 12 months.

Dwell’s plans for expansion were halted by a struggling housing market.

Administrators Duff & Phelps were hired to deal with the fallout.

The company joins a list of other failing high street chains including HMV, Jessops, Blockbuster and Comet who were forced to shut up shop in the past year.