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.
Shoezone is closing several stores for good later this yearAlamy
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.
The high street chain has already closed 11 branches this year in the following locations:
London Road, Waterlooville, PortsmouthHigh Street, Southend (Relocation)The Drapery, Northampton (Relocation)Bell Centre, Melton, LeicestershireBroad Street, Seaford, East SussexWell Croft, ShipleyLongton Exchange Shopping Centre, Stoke-on-TrentDockhead Street, SaltcoatsBroadmead Shopping Centre, BristolGrand Junction Retail Park, CreweCameron 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.
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.
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.