The UK high street has faced increasing uncertainty in recent years, and now another well-known name has confirmed significant cutbacks. Shoe Zone, the popular budget footwear retailer, has announced the closure of 39 stores across the UK in response to a series of financial pressures.
These closures reflect broader challenges affecting high street retailers across the country, from inflation to rising business rates and declining footfall.
If you’ve recently walked past a boarded-up Shoe Zone or wondered whether your local branch is at risk, here’s a comprehensive look at why these closures are happening, which locations have been affected, and what this means for the future of British retail.
Why Is Shoe Zone Closing 39 Stores Across the UK?
Shoe Zone has cited a range of economic and operational challenges behind its decision to shutter nearly 40 of its stores within a 12-month period ending September 2025. At the heart of these closures is a significant revenue drop of 7.6%, with the company’s total income falling to £149.1 million.
The decline in sales has been largely attributed to reduced consumer confidence, particularly in the wake of the UK Government’s October 2024 budget, which triggered further economic uncertainty. Despite performing well during high-demand periods such as summer and back-to-school shopping seasons, overall spending has remained subdued.
Shoppers are becoming more cautious, and discretionary spending, particularly on non-essential items like fashion and footwear, continues to dip.
From a business perspective, Shoe Zone has labelled many of its closed branches as “unviable” due to a combination of escalating costs and declining sales. The closures represent a strategic attempt to streamline operations and concentrate on locations that offer greater profitability and footfall.
What Are the Main Economic Pressures Leading to These Closures?
Shoe Zone’s decision to close dozens of stores is not a simple reaction to poor performance. It’s a result of several compounding economic pressures that many high street retailers are currently facing.
National Insurance Hikes and Rising Business Rates
One of the most significant cost pressures comes from increased National Insurance contributions for employers, which took effect in April 2024. This rise in employment tax has heavily impacted operational budgets, especially for companies with a large in-store workforce.
Coupled with higher business rates, these additional financial burdens have made certain locations increasingly difficult to maintain, particularly in smaller towns and low-traffic areas.
Inflation and Interest Rate Challenges
UK retailers have also faced the brunt of persistent inflation and rising interest rates, which have affected both operational costs and consumer behaviour.
As households adjust their budgets to accommodate higher mortgage payments and utility bills, spending on retail essentials like shoes has naturally declined.
Seasonality and Weather-Dependent Footfall
Even weather patterns have played a role. While the company reported strong performance during warmer months, unfavourable weather conditions throughout other parts of the year led to weaker footfall in high streets and shopping centres. Without consistent in-store traffic, the profitability of physical locations becomes harder to justify.
Which Shoe Zone Stores Have Already Shut Down in 2025?
Though Shoe Zone has not released a complete list of all 39 closed stores, several locations have been publicly confirmed or reported. These closures span across multiple regions, reflecting a nationwide approach to restructuring.
Confirmed Closed Locations
| Location | Region |
| Bexhill | East Sussex |
| Boscombe | Dorset |
| Bournemouth | Dorset |
| Burgess Hill | West Sussex |
| Watford | Hertfordshire |
| Stoke-on-Trent | Staffordshire |
| Inverness | Highland, Scotland |
These closures represent only a portion of the total, and more locations may have closed quietly or be pending closure based on lease agreements and operational timelines.
Breakdown by Region (Sample)
| Region | Approximate Closures |
| South England | 10+ |
| Midlands | 12 |
| North England | 8 |
| Scotland | 4 |
| Wales & NI | 5 |
While the precise list of every closed branch is not public, the regional impact is clear, Shoe Zone is recalibrating its physical footprint to prioritise profitability.
Is This the End of Shoe Zone on the High Street?
Not entirely. Despite the string of closures, Shoe Zone continues to maintain a substantial presence across the UK, with 269 stores still operating as of September 2025.
More importantly, the retailer is not just closing stores, it’s opening new ones too. During the same period in which 39 stores shut down, 11 new locations were launched, and six existing stores were refurbished. These investments highlight a strategic shift rather than a complete withdrawal from the high street.
Shoe Zone appears to be focusing on optimizing store locations based on performance and foot traffic, rather than scaling back its brand entirely. In the long run, this strategy may allow the company to better compete in a highly challenging retail environment.
How Do Shoe Zone’s Closures Compare to Other UK Retailers?
Shoe Zone is not alone in facing these challenges. A wave of closures has swept through the UK’s retail sector as companies reassess their in-store operations.
Fashion retailers like New Look and River Island have already shuttered dozens of locations or signalled their intent to do so. National tax policies and changes to business rate structures have prompted many to consider downsizing or restructuring entirely.
Major supermarket and lifestyle chains have also voiced concerns over rising commercial rates, especially for larger properties.
This trend reflects a wider shift in consumer behaviour and operational priorities across the sector. The economic landscape is forcing businesses to become leaner, more agile, and more reliant on data-driven decisions.
What Has Shoe Zone’s Leadership Said About These Challenges?
In multiple financial updates, Shoe Zone’s chairman, Charles Smith, has been transparent about the difficulties faced by the company in 2025. He described the year as “challenging, particularly in the second half,” with consumer confidence falling significantly after the autumn budget.
Smith identified several contributing factors:
- Persistent inflation
- Higher interest rates
- Reduced disposable income
- Increased operating costs
He also emphasised that while the company saw periodic sales surges during predictable retail events (like back-to-school promotions and summer shopping), these were not enough to offset broader revenue declines throughout the rest of the year.
According to Smith, Shoe Zone’s strategic closures and focus on viable locations form part of a long-term plan to safeguard the company’s future, even as the retail sector continues to evolve.
What Does This Mean for UK High Streets Going Forward?
The ongoing reshuffle in retail footprints isn’t just about individual brands; it signals deeper challenges facing British high streets. The decline of traditional in-store shopping, exacerbated by e-commerce and changing habits, is forcing businesses and local councils to rethink the role of town centres.
Policy changes, including tax increases on commercial property, have placed further pressure on bricks-and-mortar businesses. If these trends continue, high streets may shift towards a mixed-use model, combining retail, leisure, housing, and services to stay relevant.
For retailers like Shoe Zone, adapting to this transformation involves careful balance, investing in online growth while maintaining a strategic, physical presence in profitable areas.
Can You Still Shop at Shoe Zone Online or In-Store?
Yes, despite the closures, Shoe Zone remains accessible both online and in-store for most customers in the UK.
The company’s e-commerce platform continues to offer a full range of footwear at competitive prices, with national delivery and customer service support. Shoppers can still browse popular categories including school shoes, seasonal fashion, and value footwear for the whole family.
Those who prefer physical shopping can use the store locator on Shoe Zone’s website to find their nearest branch. Many of the newly opened and refurbished stores are designed to improve customer experience and reflect changing consumer preferences.
What Should Shoppers Expect Next From Shoe Zone?
Shoe Zone has not publicly shared any further closure plans for the near future. However, given the ongoing economic pressures and the company’s recent strategy, more realignments may follow if market conditions continue to evolve.
To stay informed, customers are encouraged to:
- Check the Shoe Zone website for branch updates
- Follow official company announcements
- Monitor local news regarding high street changes
While the recent closures are significant, Shoe Zone’s continued investment in select stores and online operations suggests the company remains committed to serving UK shoppers.
Conclusion
The closure of 39 Shoe Zone stores highlights the mounting pressures facing UK high street retailers amid economic uncertainty, rising costs, and shifting consumer habits.
While these closures mark a significant adjustment, they are part of a broader strategy to focus on profitable locations and enhance online operations. With continued investment in new and refurbished stores, Shoe Zone aims to remain a key player in the budget footwear market.
For shoppers, the brand is still accessible both in-store and online store. As the retail landscape continues to evolve, adaptability will be crucial, not just for Shoe Zone, but for the entire high street ecosystem navigating ongoing transformation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will more Shoe Zone stores close in the near future?
While there’s no official statement yet, the company may consider more closures depending on economic trends and store performance.
How can I check if my local Shoe Zone has closed?
Visit the Shoe Zone website’s store locator or look for local signage indicating closure or relocation.
Is Shoe Zone still operating online?
Yes, Shoe Zone’s online store is fully operational and offers home delivery throughout the UK.
Have jobs been lost due to these closures?
It’s likely that redundancies have occurred, though specific figures have not been publicly disclosed by the company.
Are refurbished stores different from previous ones?
Yes, refurbished locations often include improved layouts, better signage, and a modernised shopping experience.
What other footwear brands are affected by economic pressures?
Many footwear and fashion brands in the UK, including competitors, are experiencing similar issues due to increased operational costs.
What support is available for struggling high street retailers?
Several local and national initiatives are being considered, including business rate reform and high street regeneration funding.
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