Weymouth-based fashion retailer tReds has gone into administration – putting 165 jobs at risk locally and around the country.

Staff are remaining employed for the time being while assessments are carried out and any interest in the business is explored.

As well as being a blow to staff, it's bad news for any customers who were planning on returning unwanted items – the company says it is no longer offering refunds.

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The footwear and fashion chain – which was founded in Weymouth and still has its head office in the town in Lynch Lane – has been put into administration due to "challenges" in the retail sector, according to administrators at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC).

The firm has 21 shops nationwide, including one in New Bond Street, Weymouth.

A sign in the window of the Weymouth branch reads: "We are unable to accept returns of any items bought prior to or after the joint administrators' appointment.

"Customers will be able to exchange for any item of equal value".

Established in 1996 – 'amidst the hype of girl power, puffer jackets, and Trainspotting' according to the blurb on the firm's website– tReds soon opened up branches in Poole and Bournemouth, before expanding across the UK.

It now has 21 shops nationwide as well as having a presence online. There is a total of 26 members of staff employed at stores in Weymouth and Poole.

PwC, which was appointed to manage the situation on Tuesday, said it is "too early" to speculate on whether the firm might be bought out by another company.

Ross Connock, director and joint administrator of PwC said tReds staff would remain employed as normal "in the coming days" while assessments are carried out.

"We are continuing to trade while we explore any interest in the business", he said.

It is thought that "changing consumer behaviour", as well as economic uncertainty, are behind the surprise announcement.

The company announced the closure of its Bournemouth branch last summer, as well as closing its Exeter branch in September 2017.

"Despite the best efforts of management, there was unfortunately no alternative but to place the partnership into administration", Mr Cannock added.

Commenting on the news, Claudia Moore, chief operations officer at Weymouth BID, expressed her concerns for employees of the fashion chain.

“Weymouth BID is sorry to hear that tReds has gone into administration", she said.

"We hope that staff will be well supported through the process”.