Hundreds of local jobs at risk as shoe retailer Brantano falls into administration

HUNDREDS of jobs could be at risk across the West Midlands following the lapse into administration of discount shoe retailer Brantano.

The Leicestershire-based group employs around 2,000 staff nationally across a network of 140 stores and 60 concessions.

Across the West Midlands, the company has outlets in Burton-upon-Trent, Cannock, Coleshill, Coventry, Lichfield, Oldbury, Shrewsbury, Stafford, Stoke-on-Trent, Tamworth, Walsall, Warwick, Worcester, Yardley and The Fort Shopping Centre.

Analysts said the company had fallen victim to a change in the public’s shopping habits, with many now choosing to buy their goods online rather than visit the stores themselves – even for something as basic as shoes.

Administrators from PwC are allowing the company to trade as normal while they try and find a buyer.

Tony Barrell, lead administrator at PwC, said: “The continuing challenging conditions for ‘bricks and mortar’ retail stores are well documented. Like many others, Brantano has been hit hard by the change in consumers’ shopping habits and the evolution of the UK retail environment.

“The administrators are continuing to trade the businesses as normal whilst we assess the trading strategy over the coming days and weeks.  Staff will be paid their arrears of wages and salaries, and will continue to be paid for their work during the administration.”

The fall into administration comes just months after Brantano, along with Jones Bootmaker, was acquired by retail investment firm Alteri Investors from Dutch-based Macintosh Retail Group. Jones is unaffected by what has happened at Brantano.