Midland jobs at risk as shoe chain collapses

HIGH street shoe retailer Brantano has collapsed into administration placing almost 1,100 jobs at risk.

Brantano struggled with a “depressed and competitive footwear market”, according to administrators from financial services firm PwC.

The firm has 18 stores and 14 concessions employing 244 staff across the Midlands including in Stirchley, Yardley, Walsall, Oldbury and Tamworth.

It was acquired out of administration by a company controlled by Alteri Investors in February 2016 but had continued to experience difficult trading conditions.

Nationally, it operates 73 stores and 64 concessions, employing 1,086 staff, with a further 71 employees based at its head office in Hinckley, Leicestershire.

A statement from PwC said Brantano was acquired by a company controlled by Alteri Investors in February 2016 but had experienced difficult trading conditions, despite sustained efforts and streamlining to make the business more commercially viable. Administrators said a bid to sell the company generated interest but ultimately failed to secure a buyer.