After undergoing rapid expansion about 10 years ago, it has since seen sales slacken off.

BBC: Republic chain faces administration

"The Fed's view has been that growth will slacken off on its own, " says Crosby Securities' regional strategist Manu Bhaskaran.

CNN: A PUNTER'S SURVIVAL GUIDE

Founded in 1986, as a men's denim retailer in Leeds under the name Best Jeans, Republic underwent a rapid expansion 10 years ago, but has since seen sales slacken off.

BBC: Republic chain enters administration