British fashion chain Mandolin is to be shut down after just one year of business. Owner Alexon, whose other brands include Dolcis, Dash, Bay Trading and Ann Harvey, said the 17 Mandolin stores would be converted into other brand formats or would be sold. "The review indicated that the brand, while still having long-term potential, would need more time and management attention than could be justified in the current retail climate," the group said in statement. The company could not be reached for comment.

An industry observer told Drapers that the group's shareholders were feeling the strain of a challenging retail climate on Alexon's stable of nine brands. "The business is facing challenges with most of its brands," he was quoted as saying.