Retail jobs under threat

Brunswick operates more than 60 footwear stores

The future of almost 750 jobs in northern England and Scotland are in doubt following the collapse of a Tyneside discount retailer.

The Gateshead-based Famous Brunswick Warehouse has 67 stores and 740 staff, mainly in northern England and Scotland.

The chain, which until recently was owned by retailer Brown and Jackson, has been affected by strong competition.

Ernst and Young, which is handling the case, remains bullish that the business can be sold.

Deal completed

Spokesman Tom Burton said there had already been interest from a number of parties in Brunswick.

Leeds-based Brown and Jackson announced plans to sell Brunswick in August.

Brunswick was bought for £1 by South African shareholder Tradegro and the deal was completed at the end of November.

A Brown and Jackson spokesman said it was aware both had gone into administration, but reiterated that the businesses were no longer part of the group.

Brown and Jackson, which has tumbled in the red over the past year, also owns the Poundstretcher chain of stores.