LIFESTYLE group Steel River is selling its designer retail stores.

The group plans to sell The House in Yarm, Teesside, Leopard, in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, and Brills, in Leeds, to concentrate on its chain of shoe stores, its Harley-Davidson franchise and housebuilding and property divisions.

Justin Taggart, marketing manager for Steel River, based in Yarm, said: "There is nothing wrong with these businesses. However, we feel we have taken them as far as we can, and they will be better-served under new ownership.

"We would like to sell them as a package, but if individuals come forward to buy one or more stores, then we will look at the proposition."

The stores employ about 30 staff, with The House in Yarm being the biggest employer of the three, with 15 staff.

Steel River chairman David Brown said: "Our retail business has seen enormous development over the past few years, winning many awards and gaining industry recognition.

"We offer an enviable portfolio of worldwide designer-led collections, including Armani, Prada and Paul Smith, in unique and distinct environments.

"Having firmly established ourselves as leading retailers in our field, we are now in a position to offer these desirable businesses for sale. The sale will allow us to continue to focus on our core business by increasing our market share with Just Harleys, Clarion Homes and The Three Tuns, while developing a globally recognised brand."