DE Shoes to close
ONE of the longest-running businesses on Forres High Street is holding a closing down sale after attempts to sell the business have proved unsuccessful.
DE Shoes, which first opened on Forres High Street in 1883, is set to close following the end of a 90-day consultation period with staff. It is hoped that the shop will continue trading until July depending on staffing levels, stock levels and sales. Three members of staff are to lose their jobs with two eligible for redundancy payments.
"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," said managing director, Robert Sinclair.
"I am immensely sad that in the company’s 146th year it has proved necessary 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."
The consultation with staff concerning the future of William Smith (Shoe Merchants) Ltd., trading as DE Shoes and Foot Factory, was concluded on April 19. Despite all efforts no viable alternatives to the closure of the business were identified and attempts to sell the business as a going concern were unsuccessful.
Five stores, including Elgin, were sold in March, saving almost a quarter of retail jobs. However Forres and Nairn remain as going concerns and a further seven staff in the Highland town are to receive redundancy payments.
"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," said Mr Sinclair. "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."
He added: "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".
A Closing Down Sale at DE Shoes began today. The shops are full of 2013 Spring/Summer stock and are offering 25% off everything.