The Bradford-based group – which operates 191 stores and 371 concessions across the UK, employing some 3,840 staff – trades as Barratts and Priceless Shoes.
Daniel Butters, Neville Kahn and Adrian Berry, partners at Deloitte, have been confirmed as joint administrators of the group.
Weather warning
Butters blamed the warm Autumn and tough economic conditions as the main factors behind the chain’s difficulties.
He said: "Barratts and Priceless Shoes have faced a downturn in trading as a result of the difficult economic conditions.
"This has been exacerbated by the unseasonably mild weather in recent weeks which resulted in fewer sales across new winter lines.
"We will continue to trade the stores whilst we seek a buyer for all or parts of the business as a going concern.
"We are working closely with suppliers to ensure the business has the best possible platform to secure a sale, preserve jobs and generate as much value as possible for all creditors."
Barratts Priceless Group – which has recently established concessions in Wallis, Dorothy Perkins and Debenhams - also went into administration in 2009.
The administration continues the UK high street’s winter struggles with Blacks Leisure yesterday forced to put itself up for sale. HMV, JJB Sports and Game Group are among those currently on analyst watch lists.
By Andy Pearce
Related reading:
- November figures suggests tough Christmas for retailers
- Survey: Devil in the Retail (November 2011)
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