"The consultation with staff concerning the future of William Smith (Shoe Merchants) Ltd., trading as DE Shoes and Foot Factory, was concluded on 19th April. Despite all efforts no viable alternatives to the closure of the business were identified and attempts to sell the business as a going concern have been unsuccessful.
The sale of five stores in March, saving almost a quarter of retail jobs, was, however, a positive achievement and there continues to be some interest in a small number of the remaining stores as going concerns.
Notice has now been given to the company’s 162 staff.
A Closing Down Sale at the 25 branches of DE Shoes and Foot Factory still in the company’s ownership will begin on Wednesday 24th April. These stores are full of 2013 Spring/Summer stock and with 25% Off Everything in store will offer loyal customers big savings."
The sale of five stores in March, saving almost a quarter of retail jobs, was, however, a positive achievement and there continues to be some interest in a small number of the remaining stores as going concerns.
Notice has now been given to the company’s 162 staff.
A Closing Down Sale at the 25 branches of DE Shoes and Foot Factory still in the company’s ownership will begin on Wednesday 24th April. These stores are full of 2013 Spring/Summer stock and with 25% Off Everything in store will offer loyal customers big savings."
It's the end of an era perhaps for this type of retail activity on our High Street. We many have to go to Inverness or buy shoes on line after this business closes down. Here's more from the Willam Smith shoe merchants press release:
"Managing Director, Robert Sinclair summed up his feelings: “The Closing Down Sale could be seen as a final thank you to all our local communities for their custom and support over the generations.”
“I am immensely sad that in the Company’s 146th year it has proved necessary to decide to wind it up. The last months have been incredibly difficult for everyone but I have been grateful for the ongoing support from members of the public who do not want to see their local shoe shop close. Unfortunately shopping habits have shown a move away from local High Streets and in these difficult economic times even loyal customers have had to cut back on their footwear purchases.”
“I have also been enormously proud of the professionalism shown by our staff throughout the last few weeks and I know it will continue during the period required to sell out the stock.”
“During this time we will, of course, continue to consult with interested parties looking to take on any of the remaining stores as going concerns”.
“I am immensely sad that in the Company’s 146th year it has proved necessary to decide to wind it up. The last months have been incredibly difficult for everyone but I have been grateful for the ongoing support from members of the public who do not want to see their local shoe shop close. Unfortunately shopping habits have shown a move away from local High Streets and in these difficult economic times even loyal customers have had to cut back on their footwear purchases.”
“I have also been enormously proud of the professionalism shown by our staff throughout the last few weeks and I know it will continue during the period required to sell out the stock.”
“During this time we will, of course, continue to consult with interested parties looking to take on any of the remaining stores as going concerns”.
Sadly the chance of a bargain will probably see many people head through their doors who've not bought anything in the shop for years
ReplyDeleteAnother empty premise on our High Street, and a long journey or surf on the internet if you live in Nairn and want to buy shoes