Republic is among stores to be hit by the spending downturn

by business editor Trevor Sturgess

Dozens of Kent jobs are at risk after clothing retailer Republic collapsed into administration today.

The 120-store fashion chain - which has four branches in Kent - became the latest high street casualty.

Ernst and Young has been appointed administrator to examine the finances and see whether any parts of the business can be saved.

Republic has 121 stores across the UK and employs around 2,500 people.

As many as 150 employees at the company's head office in Leeds are being made redundant.

The Kent stores are in Canterbury (Whitefriars), Maidstone (Fremlin Walk), Tunbridge Wells (Royal Victoria Place) and Bluewater.

Republic, based in Leeds, specialises in young designer fashion at reasonable prices.

But it has been hit by the spending downturn, especially in the youth fashion market, the rise of Primark and online retailers as well as high shop rents.

Joint administrator Hunter Kelly said: "Republic suffered poor trading results in the autumn, and whilst sales picked up in December there has been a sudden and rapid decline in sales in late January.

"The impact on cash flows has resulted in the business being unable to continue to operate outside of an insolvency process. Unfortunately, it has been necessary to make 150 employees at the head office in Leeds redundant.

"We will continue to trade Republic, with a view to selling the business as a going concern."

Comet disappeared from the high street last year

The ailing retailer follows Comet, Jessops, HMV and Blockbuster into the clutches of administrators.

The first two have already disappeared from the high street. More than 10,000 jobs have already gone - especially among young people - and Republic's demise would add to that soaring toll at a time when young people are already finding it hard to land a job.

Republic's website today urges customers to "Get a £15 dress for Valentines."

But it seems that not enough customers felt the love for Republic to save the business.