DORSET’S surfing-inspired fashion brand Animal is being closed by its owners in the latest blow to the UK’s retail industry.

The Poole-based company’s owners told staff it was losing money and attempts to save or sell it had been unsuccessful.

The retailer has a chain of shops, including branches in Poole’s Dolphin Shopping Centre and Bournemouth’s Commercial Road. It also sells different elements of its range in Debenhams, John Lewis, Blacks, Millets and Menkind.

A statement from H Young said: “As a result of the extremely challenging retail market which has now further worsened due to Covid-19, H Young announces it will be closing its Animal business by the end of January 2O21.

“This will obviously be a very sad announcement for all Animal's hardworking employees and its loyal customers

“ln this period Animal will continue trading through its stores and its website and its clothing will also be available through its distributors.

“Finally we would like to thank everyone for all their support over these many years.”

An announcement to staff said: “Over the past few years, H Young has examined many options for Animal with an aim to securing a commercially viable future for the brand. Over that period, the business has been loss making. This is clearly not a sustainable position.

“The group has considered the full range of options for Animal to remain in the group, including the use of third party warehousing, relocation to smaller premises and an absorption into other group businesses. None of the business plans for these various options has been compelling enough to justify the investment required by the group.

“We have also explored a sale of the business, but no serious interest has been expressed in buying the business as a going concern.”

It said it would be consulting with staff over the closure.

Animal, headquartered in Poole’s Fleets Lane, was launched in 1987 by two surfers, Ian Elliot and Nigel Broughton. They originally sold a single product, a hook-and-loop watch strap.

It expanded into menswear in 1996 and today has 29 stores and 236 stockists selling its fashions, surfing gear and accessories. It was bought by the supplier and distributor H Young Holdings in 1999.

H Young holdings turned over £217.65million in 2018 and made a profit after tax of £9.94m.