SHOEZONE is closing several of its high street stores before the end of the year.
But the brand is also expanding its presence with a number of store refits and relocations in the works.
The popular retailer has more than 300 stores and employs around 2,500 people.
It sells over 16million worth of shoes every year and won't be leaving our high streets anytime soon.
But we've explained which stores are closing and why below.
Is Shoezone closing?
Shoezone is not closing down, but it has plans to closed a number of shops over the years.
Read more in money
Who will buy Wilko? Full list of retailers racing to save discount shops and jobs
Big high street bank hikes interest rates – are you better off switching accounts?
The high street chain has already closed 11 branches this year in the following locations:
- London Road, Waterlooville, Portsmouth
- High Street, Southend (Relocation)
- The Drapery, Northampton (Relocation)
- Bell Centre, Melton, Leicestershire
- Broad Street, Seaford, East Sussex
- Well Croft, Shipley
- Longton Exchange Shopping Centre, Stoke-on-Trent
- Dockhead Street, Saltcoats
- Broadmead Shopping Centre, Bristol
- Grand Junction Retail Park, Crewe
- Cameron Toll Shopping Centre, Edinburgh
Shoezone closed 63 stores in the year to October 1, 2022, opened 13 and converted 11 existing stores into its new formats.
Which Shoezone stores are closing?
The popular retailer, which has more than 300 stores, will close its branches in Newton Abbot and Watford later, according to local news reports by Devon Live and the Watford Observer.
Most read in Money
Wages rise for millions of workers at record rate – what it means for you
Martin Lewis' MSE issues urgent warning to everyone with a savings account
I tested supermarket beans – winner was 95p cheaper than Heinz & tastier
Wilko bidders revealed in race to save chain with under 48 hours to go
It comes after Shoezone shoppers spotted closing down signs at the two stores.
It is not known when the shops will close but we've reached out to Shoezone to find out.
Stores in Hinckley and Beccles will then close later on in the year.
Why is Shoezone shutting shops?
The retailer looks to open new "big box and hybrid" format stores from its original, smaller formats.
These stores will offer more stock and a greater range of styles, according to the retailer.
In its annual results, Shoezone said it was hoping to expand its store refit and relocation programme this year.
Retailers have been feeling the pinch since the pandemic while shoppers are cutting back on spending due to soaring inflation.
High energy costs and a shift to shopping online after the pandemic are also taking a toll and many high street shops have struggled to keep going.
Read More on The Sun
Tributes to girl, 10, found dead at home as international hunt continues
X Factor star looks unrecognisable as Fearne Cotton marks his birthday
The inability to renegotiate rents and agreements with landlords is also putting pressure on some retailers to pull out of some locations.
A number of well-known retailers including Argos, Lloyds Pharmacy and Poundstretcher have also closed stores in recent months.
Source: Read Full Article