Shoezone Identifies 20 Stores for Potential Closure

Shoezone has confirmed that 20 of its retail locations nationwide are facing potential closure following a challenging period at the close of the year. The company reported that October, November, and the initial two weeks of December had experienced very challenging trading conditions. It attributed these conditions to several factors, including an increase in employers’ National Insurance contributions and an uplift in the National Living Wage, both of which were declared in the October Budget. Out of its 297 stores operating throughout the country, 30 are situated in the West Midlands and could be among those at risk. These include outlets located in Wolverhampton, Birmingham, Shropshire, Worcestershire, Warwickshire, and Staffordshire. While the specific affected locations remain undisclosed, Shoezone stated its intention to close stores deemed “unviable.” Furthermore, the company indicated that “unseasonal weather” experienced in recent months had negatively impacted its revenue. Anthony Smith, Shoezone’s Chief Executive, informed the BBC that “Consumer confidence has weakened further following the government’s budget in October 2024. The company will incur significant additional costs due to the increases in National Insurance and the National Living Wage, resulting in the closure of 20 stores that have now become unviable.” The firm expressed that it was “very grateful to our teams in these stores for their continued dedication and hard work over the years and are doing all we can to support them.” It also affirmed its ongoing “committed to serving customers via our extensive store network and online.” Shoezone issued a caution that its profit before tax for the financial year concluding on 27 September 2025 is projected to reach £5 million, a decrease from earlier predictions of £10 million.