Shoezone, the renowned footwear retailer, has announced the closure of its store on King Street in Kilmarnock, East Ayrshire, Scotland. This news comes as a blow to the local economy, adding to the growing list of high street closures across the country.
The impending closure of Shoezone is part of a wider trend within the retail sector, as businesses struggle to cope with rising costs and changing consumer habits. In 2023 alone, Shoezone has already closed 13 branches, while 63 stores were shuttered in the year leading up to October 2022.
The departure of Shoezone from Kilmarnock is particularly significant as it leaves the future of the town’s main shopping mall, Burns Mall, hanging in the balance. The mall, which has been listed for sale with an asking price of £2.85 million, has seen a decline in occupancy, with less than half of its 31 units currently occupied.
The news of Shoezone’s closure is not entirely unexpected, as the brand previously attempted to exit Kilmarnock in August 2019 before reversing its decision. However, the current economic climate and the ongoing challenges faced by the retail sector make it unlikely that Shoezone will reconsider its decision this time around.
The closure of Shoezone is a reminder of the challenges faced by high street businesses, and it raises concerns about the future of retail in town centers across the UK. As more and more shoppers turn to online retailers, traditional brick-and-mortar stores are being forced to adapt or face extinction.