Fashion retail chain Carl Scarpa has gone into examinership. The stores which sell shoes and accessories employ over 80 people.

Carl Scarpa has been operating since 1974 and has around 20 outlets, including one on Grafton Street in Dublin.

In appointing Tom Kavanagh as examiner, Mr. Justice Gerard Hogan said the stores had established a very strong brand and sold shoes designed for fashion conscious individuals.

He described the company difficulties, arising from the downturn and high rents, were sadly all too familiar in the Irish retail sector.

However the judge said he is absolutely satisfied that Carl Scarpa can survive and he believes it is potentially a very strong Irish retail company.

At the moment however the business cannot pay its debts including around €200,000 in tax arrears to the Revenue.

The court was told there is investment interest and while there are loss making stores, it is hoped there will not be closures.