A YEAR after a rescue deal saved Brantano branches including the Isle of Wight’s, the shoe business is in trouble again.
The company went into administration in early 2016, but a buy-out saved the Island's store, in Newport, as well as more than 70 others across the UK.
But yesterday (Wednesday), Pricewaterhouse Cooper (PwC) announced the new owners were now in administration.
Tony Barrell, lead administrator at PwC, said: "Despite significant improvements in the business and reductions in the cost base, trading has continued to suffer in a depressed and competitive footwear market.
"Like many other retailers, Brantano has also been hit hard by the sharp decline in sterling, the ongoing shift in consumer shopping habits and the evolution of the UK retail environment.
"The administrators are continuing to trade the business as normal whilst assessing the trading strategy and any interest in parts of the business over the coming days and weeks.
"However, regrettably, it is inevitable that there will be redundancies. Staff will be paid their arrears of wages and salaries, and will continue to be paid for their work while the business is in administration."
The company has 73 store, plus more than 60 concessions, and employs more than 1,000 people nationally.