Almost half the country's Shanton stores are to close.

The company went into voluntary administration in January and is expected to be sold next week.

Administrator Bryan Williams says it's with a great deal of regret the store footprint needs to reduce. He says 17 stores are to close, resulting in the loss of 70 jobs.

Bryan Williams says the restructuring is the first step towards the rehabilitation of a brand that's been in New Zealand for almost three decades.