Discount shoe retailer Brantano has gone into administration, just months after the chain was bought by an investment firm.

Accountancy firm PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) has been appointed administrator, and has said the firm will continue to trade normally while it seeks a buyer to secure the business' future.

PwC's Tony Barrell said: "The administrators are continuing to trade the businesses as normal whilst we assess the trading strategy over the coming days and weeks.

"Staff will be paid their arrears of wages and salaries, and will continue to be paid for their work during the administration."

Brantano employs about 2,000 staff in 140 stores and 60 concessions across the UK.

It is thought the chain had been hit hard by another poor Christmas, following changing consumer habits.

"The continuing challenging conditions for 'bricks and mortar' retail stores are well documented," said Mr Barrell.

"Like many others, Brantano has been hit hard by the change in consumers' shopping habits and the evolution of the UK retail environment."