Fashion chain Jaeger has announced it is to close its flagship store in Kent, with the loss of 13 jobs.

The high-end designer brand will axe its Bluewater store, which is among 19 which will close nationally putting 165 people out of work.

It has also made 44 redundancies in its head office and distribution centre.

The British retailer has 46 stores and 63 concessions employing 680 people, also including shops at McArthurGlen Designer Outlet in Ashford and Tunbridge Wells.

Directors appointed administrators Alix Partners last week after failing to sell the chain.

In a statement confirming the closures, joint-administrators Peter Saville, Ryan Grant and Catherine Williamson said: “Following consultation with all appropriate stakeholders it has become apparent that the operating costs of a number of stores are financially unviable given the companies’ difficulties.

“We appreciate that this is a particularly unsettling time for all concerned and would like to go on record to express thanks for the commitment and professionalism shown to date by Jaeger staff.”

The designer store, owned by Better Capital, had been on the market for around £30 million but has failed to sell.

Adminstrators said all staff will be paid during the period of store closures.

Gift cards will continue to be honoured at Jaeger stores.