Menswear clothing retailer Meccano has fallen into the hands of administrator KordaMentha.

Vere Sharma, Meccano director, announced that the company will go into administration today despite the “enormous amount of effort from hard working staff”.

Sharma, whose family business bought Meccano in 2016 saying he was determined to turn the brand around, said Meccano was unable to adapt fast enough to what has been a trying time for many mall-based retailers. He said the decision had not been made lightly.

“I’m committed to the clothing industry and have been for 30 years,” he said.

He said his other business dealings are not affected by Meccano entering administration.

KordaMentha partners Grant Graham and Neale Kackson have been appointed voluntary administrators by the Meccano board.

Jackson said at this stage all Meccano stores in New Zealand would remain open in the administration and on sale mode.

“Having just been appointed, we are seeking urgent expressions of interest for the business assets and working closely with the management team to quickly establish a way forward for the business,” he said.

Meccano’s head office is in Auckland and the retailer has approximately 60 staff nationwide across 12 stores, as well as its online business.