Jigsaw's sister brand Kew.159 to be sold or closed down

Robinson Webster Holdings is to sell or close down its underperforming fashion brand Kew and focus its efforts on Jigsaw.

The womenswear retailer was relaunched as Kew.159 last year in an attempt to turn around its poor performance. If a buyer does not step forward, the 16 stores and 22 concessions will be turned into Jigsaw or Jigsaw Menswear shops, with a few being sold off to other retailers.

The decision to dispose or reabsorb the failing stores was the result of a strategic review at Robinson Webster. Robinson Webster is entering discussions with its shareholders, stakeholders and staff to explore a potential sale of Kew as a going concern.

Kew was created as an affordable alternative to Jigsaw in 2003, and its sales peaked at £22.1 million in 2010 and fell to £20.5 million last year. Sales at Jigsaw, however, are up by 8.6 per cent on last year. Kew.159 is to continue trading into autumn this year with its existing stock, but is not scheduled to make a collection for Spring 2013.

It is said that some job losses will be “inevitable” at the business. A Robinson Webster spokesman said: “It is hoped the orderly closure will allow staff to find roles in other parts of the group or elsewhere.”

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