THE wine merchant Oddbins has gone into administration , putting 550 jobs at risk if a buyer cannot be found.

The business operates 101 off-licences and two convenience stores under a variety of brands, with a branch of Oddbins at Sandbanks Road, Poole.

It is the second time the company has collapsed in eight years.

Administrators at Duff & Phelps said weaker consumer confidence had put pressure on retail businesses.

Joint administrator Phil Duffy said: "The continued decline in consumer spending, pointing to a squeeze on household finances, combined with rising living and national wages have put increased pressure on retailers' bottom lines.

"As wages struggle to keep up with the pace of inflation, and continued, deepening unease and uncertainty over Brexit, means consumers are cutting back on spending.

"Add into that mix rising business rates and rents, and traditional bricks-and-mortar retailers are undoubtedly feeling the strain."

The companies which have gone into administration trade under a number of names including Oddbins, Oddies, Simply Drinks, Simply Food & Drinks, Shop2Go and Booze Buster.

In September, Richard Carr, chief executive of developer Fortitudo, revealed plans to demolish the Sandbanks Oddbins and replace it with a block of flats.