'God, another old store' now that major shoe chain announces another store closure

A bargain shoe chain is closing a new store amid a wave of store closures and shoppers are in shock.

Shoezone, which has more than 320 stores nationwide, will close the doors of another store in the coming months.

The popular retailer is to close its main branch in Inverness. A date has not yet been confirmed with staff telling local media the store will close for good at the end of June.

Earlier this week, closing signs were posted in the store.

The chain's nearest store will be in Peterhead after the closure and shoppers will have to drive three hours to reach it.

The Sun has contacted Shoezone for a confirmed store closing date and will update this story.

Local residents shared on Facebook their disappointment upon hearing the news.

One user said: “God, another old shop long closed.”

Another said: “Very sad. Great prices and they were pet friendly.”

“On no,” shouted a third user.

A fourth user described it as: “terrible news.”

Shoezone will not close completely, but it does have plans to close a number of stores over the years.

The retailer wants to open new 'big box and hybrid' stores from the original, smaller formats.

These stores will offer more inventory and a wider range of styles for customers.

The shoe retailer closed 13 branches last year and 63 stores from 2020 to 2021.

In its full-year results, Shoezone said it hoped to expand its store renovation and relocation program this year.

What happens to the main street?

Several other retailers have struggled to make ends meet in recent years.

Energy costs have risen and more consumers than ever are choosing to order online instead of going to the store.

This leaves some retailers struggling with budgets and having no choice but to close stores to cut costs.

Competitor Clarks is also closing a store in Walsall this week, making it the chain's second store closure this year.

Struggling fashion brand Superdry has said it is exploring various “cost-saving options” as it considers a major restructuring including store closures and job cuts.

Matalan confirmed a store closure earlier this week, its third since September last year, and another Matalan store will close this month.

Boots revealed it would close 300 stores over the next year as part of plans to develop its brand.

Major banks have also announced the closure of several branches.

Barclays will begin pulling down the shutters at fourteen locations in England, three in Wales and three in Scotland from April.

Even thrift stores are having a hard time Oxfam confirmed last year that it would close eight of its UK stores.

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