Another major blow has hit Britain’s high streets, as a well-known retailer shuts dozens of its stores following a tough year for trade.
Shoppers across the country may soon notice familiar shopfronts disappearing for good.
Budget footwear chain Shoe Zone has confirmed it closed 39 stores over the past year after revenues fell by 7.6 per cent to £149.1million.
The company’s store count dropped from 297 to 269 in the 52 weeks to September 2025.
The revenue decline marks a significant downturn for the high street chain, which has struggled amid challenging economic conditions affecting consumer spending.
Company chairman Charles Smith acknowledged the retailer faced “a challenging year, particularly in the second half, as consumer confidence fell following the Government’s October 2024 budget.”
He pointed to “persistent inflation, higher interest rates and reduced levels of disposable income all contributing to general negative economic and consumer sentiment in the UK.”
The chairman noted that trading performed well during specific periods when customers had clear purchasing motivations.
Mr Smith said: “Sales were good when there was a clear reason to buy, such as the warm summer and the Back-To-School season. However, overall discretionary spending remains subdued as consumers exercise greater caution in their expenditure.”
Major high street shoe retailer closes 39 shops in blow to the high street
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GETTYThe retailer attributed the shop closures to mounting operational expenses, particularly the rise in National Insurance contributions for employers.
In May, the company announced it would shut “unviable” locations as these increased costs made certain shops unprofitable.
Additional financial pressures included escalating business rates, wage increases and unfavourable weather conditions that dampened footfall.
The first half of the financial year alone saw 21 branches cease trading.
Recent closures have affected shops in Bexhill town centre, Boscombe, Bournemouth, Burgess Hill in West Sussex, Watford, Stoke-on-Trent and Inverness.
The combination of reduced consumer spending and rising operational expenses has forced the retailer to streamline its property portfolio significantly.
Despite the closures, Shoe Zone opened 11 new shops and refurbished six existing ones in an effort to keep its presence on the high street. The retailer has not disclosed which specific branches have closed permanently.
The difficulties facing Shoe Zone reflect wider challenges across Britain’s retail landscape.
Shoe Zone opened 11 new shops and refurbished six existing ones in an effort to keep its presence on the high street
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GETTY IMAGESFashion retailer New Look has cautioned it may shut almost 100 shops in response to National Insurance increases that took effect in April.
The clothing chain has already closed 13 branches nationwide, including its most recent closure at The Potteries Centre in Stoke-on-Trent on 14 October.
River Island plans to close more than 33 shops as part of restructuring efforts to maintain viability. Major retailers including Morrisons, Aldi and JD Sports have expressed concerns about potential business rate increases on larger stores.
The British Retail Consortium has warned that 400 large-format shops could face closure if proposed tax changes proceed.