ADMINISTRATORS at embattled shoe retail group Stylo are to axe 2,500 jobs with the closure of 220 Barratts and Priceless shops, it was announced.

But Deloitte also confirmed it had secured the sale of 160 shops and 165 concessions in a move expected to safeguard 3,000 roles.

The deal has been struck with Stylo’s existing management team, led by chairman Michael Ziff.

It was not immediately clear how the moves would affect some 289 staff – including 34 in Huddersfield, who work in Barratts and Priceless stores or concessions across Yorkshire.

Barratts and Priceless both have stores in Huddersfield and Barratts has a concession at the town centre branches of Dorothy Perkins and PriceLess has a presence at Bay Trading.

Deloitte said the job losses were “regrettable” but said the sale meant the Barratts and Priceless brands will continue on the high street.

Neville Kahn, Deloitte partner and joint administrator, said: “The store portfolio was deemed to be too large and unable to generate sufficient profits to cover its cost base.

“As a result, the remaining 220 stores will be closed imminently with the regrettable loss of 2,500 jobs.”

Mr Kahn said: “We are extremely grateful to the staff and management for their support throughout this difficult period.”