Value shoe retailer Brantano UK, which had been expanding its presence in garden centres, has gone into administration.
Tony Barrell, Mike Jervis and Rob Hunt of PwC have been appointed as joint administrators to the Leicestershire-based company, which has 60 concessions nationwide as well as 140 stores.

"The continuing challenging conditions for bricks-and-mortar retail stores are well documented," said Mr Barrell. "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."

PwC deals partner Robert Moran, who is leading the sales process, added: "Brantano is an established value shoe retailer in the UK and Jones Bootmaker/Brantano businesses attracted considerable interest during the 2015 sales process. We are now assessing interest in the UK Brantano business as a whole or its parts and we welcome approaches from interested parties."

Some 2,000 jobs are at risk as a result of the administration.

Brantano had been enjoying success with its concessions in garden centres, which were seen as delivering the ideal target customer. In 2014 it announced that it planned to open 30 more, mostly within Wyevale garden centres.