Shoe Zone in, but Homebase out in Spalding retail shake-up

A discount shoe retailer has announced plans to move into an empty store in Spalding, creating nine new jobs.

Shoe Zone plans to open a store in Holland Market on Wednesday, June 27.

It will occupy the space left by Brantano Footwear which closed in March 2017 and comes about 15 months after the company went into administration.

A spokesman for Shoe Zone said: "The new store will create nine new jobs in total and will be one of our new Big Box concept stores.

"Shoe Zone has undergone a transformation with this new type of store which not only has a new look and feel but also stocks a range of renowned brands, including Clarks, Skechers, Lotus and Heavenly Feet, among others.

"Alongside these big brands, the store will also stock Shoe Zone's own range of footwear."

However, the economic news is mixed for Spalding as Homebase has confirmed that its store in Westlode Street will shut on Tuesday, July 17.

It is one of 40 UK stores due to close under cost-cutting plans announced by Australia-based owners Wesfarers who ended up selling the DIY retailer for just £1 last Friday.

Rob Scott, managing director of Wesfarmers, said: "Homebase was acquired by Wesfarmers in 2016 but the investment has been disappointing, with the problems arising from poor execution post-acquisition being compounded by a deterioration in the UK retail sector.

"The operating performance of the business has improved in recent months under the new management team led by Damian McGloughlin and he will continue to lead Homebase in delivering management’s turnaround plan.

“We wish Damian and the team well during the transition and as they take the business into its next

chapter under new owners, Hilco Capital, with a track record of retail turnaround in the UK.”