Family-owned independent grocer Stokes has gone into administration.

The company, which operates 27 stores in the south west and West, employs 277 staff, 30 of which are in the retailer’s head office in St Philips in Bristol.

10 stores have closed, resulting in 65 redundancies. 10 were closed earlier in October, prior to KPMG being appointed administrator.

Richard Hill, joint administrator and partner at KPMG said: “Unfortunately, declining sales in some stores have resulted in losses being incurred. Despite efforts to reduce costs, these losses have resulted in significant cash flow problems and the company was unable to continue without a radical restructuring.

“The remaining 17 stores will continue to trade as normal while we seek a buyer for the business as a going concern.”