LUGGAGE brand Antler has gone into administration with the loss of 164 jobs — just months after being bought by fashion tycoon Michael Lewis.
Mr Lewis, 61, fiancé of Princess Diana’s niece Lady Kitty Spencer, bought Antler in February through his holding company ATR.
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But yesterday the iconic British suitcase maker, founded 106 years ago, appointed KPMG as administrators.
It immediately made 164 of the 200 staff redundant.
The firm’s failure was triggered by the halt to global travel and shutdown of stores amid the pandemic, KPMG said.
It comes as a new poll shows one in ten retailers are at risk of going bust.
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KPMG partner and joint administrator Will Wright said: “Although the business was trading well prior to the virus outbreak, restrictions imposed at the start of the lockdown period prompted the closure of Antler’s retail and wholesale outlets, while the impact on international travel has also significantly affected sales.”
KPMG will continue to trade the business via its online channels while it assesses options for the business.
“We would invite any interested parties to make contact with us at the earliest opportunity,” Wright added
