Future for Jaeger uncertain as chain collapses

THE fate of Jaeger stores across the West Midlands hangs in the balance after the fashion chain became the latest retailer to call in administrators.

The group, which sells men’s and women’s clothing and accessories, has been attempting to sell the business for some time but was forced to call in administrators.

Jaeger was founded in 1844 by Lewis Tomalin and has shops and concessions in Birmingham’s Great Western Arcade, Solihull’s John Lewis and House of Fraser department stores and Boundary Mills in Walsall, as well as in Worcester, Leamington Spa and Stratford. Analysts said the brand had struggled to stay relevant and it joins other recent high street casualties Brantano and Jones Bootmaker.

Administrators from business advisory firm AlixPartners are now operating the company after being appointed at the request of Jaeger’s directors following the failed sale process.

A statement from the firm said administrators would continue to trade the company while working with all stakeholders to evaluate the most appropriate route forward.

At the time of the appointment, the company employed around 680 staff across its 46 stores, 63 concessions, head office in London and logistics function in Norfolk.

Joint administrator Peter Saville said: “Regrettably, despite an extensive sales process, it has not been possible to identify a purchaser for the business. Our focus now is in identi- fying an appropriate route forward and working with all stakeholders to do this. We will ensure that we communicate further as this process unfolds.”

Jaeger previously had a store in the Mailbox in Birmingham city centre but moved from there to the Great Western Arcade when the mall partially closed for refurbishment.

Better Capital, which owns Jaeger, was previously reported to be selling the retailer’s debt to billionaire Philip Day, owner of Edinburgh Woollen Mill.