United Kingdom (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Budget footwear chain Shoe Zone has closed 39 stores in the year to September 2025 amid a 7.6% fall in revenue to £149.1 million. The company cites challenging economic conditions including falling consumer confidence after the Government’s October 2024 Budget, inflation, higher interest rates, and reduced disposable income as key factors behind the closures.
High Street Shoe Chain Reduces Store Footprint
Shoe Zone, a major player in the UK’s budget footwear market, has confirmed the closure of 39 of its stores across the UK during the 52 weeks leading up to September 2025. This reduction has seen the overall store count drop from 297 to 269. Alongside closures, Shoe Zone opened 11 new stores and refurbished six others to better position itself in a difficult retail environment.
The company recorded a 7.6% revenue decline year-on-year, with total takings of £149.1 million in the latest financial period. This downturn reflects slower consumer spending on discretionary items like footwear, attributed mainly to economic pressures felt across the UK market.
Economic Factors Behind the Struggles
Charles Smith, chairman of Shoe Zone, publicly acknowledged a challenging trading year heavily influenced by macroeconomic factors. He linked waning consumer confidence particularly to the Government’s Autumn Budget of October 2024, which introduced increased National Insurance contributions for employers and was followed by persistent inflation and high interest rates. Smith noted,
“This year has been particularly tough, especially in the latter half, as consumer confidence waned following the Government’s Budget in October 2024… ongoing inflation, elevated interest rates, and diminished disposable income have all contributed to a generally negative economic and consumer outlook in the UK” .
Consumer Spending Patterns
Despite the gloom, certain periods offered some relief. Smith highlighted that sales improved “when there was a clear reason to buy,” such as during the warm summer months and the Back-To-School season. However, he warned that overall discretionary expenditure remains cautious as consumers manage their budgets more tightly.
Stores Remaining Open and Local Closures
While specific store closures have not been itemised publicly, Shoe Zone continues to operate in key locations including Hanley, Newcastle, Longton, Tunstall, Congleton, Crewe, and Uttoxeter. The recent closure of its branch at The Potteries Centre, Stoke-on-Trent, on 14 October 2025 marks one confirmed store exit from the chain.
Broader High Street Impact
The Shoe Zone closures come amid wider high street challenges, with other retailers such as River Island, Morrisons, Aldi, and JD Sports also facing difficulties including potential hikes in business rates. The British Retail Consortium has warned that up to 400 large-format shops could be at risk if proposed tax changes go ahead, highlighting ongoing pressures in the retail sector. This environment has pushed many chains to reconsider their store portfolios to maintain viability.
Shoe Zone’s significant reduction in stores and drop in revenue illustrate the harsh realities for budget retailers navigating the UK’s strained economic climate in 2025. Inflation, government fiscal policies, and declining disposable incomes have collectively forced the company to shutter stores and adjust its strategy for the future.