WORKERS face redundancy after a shoe shop fell into administration.
Brantano Retail Limited has fallen into difficulty after tough trading conditions were compounded by shoppers’ changing habits and the pound’s decline following the Brexit vote.
Administrator PWC says a deal to sell the company was explored but added a deal could not be reached.
The retailer operates stores across the North-East, including bases in Bishop Auckland and Consett, in County Durham, and Catterick Garrison, North Yorkshire.
The announcement comes just days after Brantano’s owner, private equity firm Alteri, filed a notice to appoint administrators to stave off creditors as it seeks a buyer for the 160-year-old shoe company Jones Bootmaker.
Alteri previously bought Jones, which has stores in Durham City and Newcastle, in a deal that included Brantano.
Tony Barrell, PWC lead administrator, said: “We are continuing to trade the business as normal while assessing the trading strategy and any interest in parts of the business over the coming days and weeks.
“However, regrettably, it is inevitable there will be redundancies. “Staff will be paid their arrears of wages and salaries, and will continue to be paid for their work while the business is in administration.”
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