UK family-run excessive road chain to shut down shoe store after 40 years | UK | News | EUROtoday

A much-loved Birmingham shoe store is about to shut its doorways this summer season after greater than 4 a long time serving the area people. Blunts Shoes, a family-run retailer primarily based in Kingstanding Circle, Birmingham, will shut in June, with employees citing the troublesome financial local weather behind the choice.

Manager Diane Middleton, who has labored on the Kings Road store for 38 years, mentioned the announcement had come as a shock. Over the years, she has fitted footwear for generations of native households.

Mrs Middleton mentioned: “We are trying to get our heads round it. The news has gone on Facebook and customers are very surprised and shocked. Children had come in and they had children and then grandparents – we’ve had our run of generations.”

In a message to clients, the staff mentioned: “We would like to express our heartfelt thanks to all of our loyal customers and the local community.

“Your kindness, conversations, and continued assist through the years have actually meant the world to us.

“Our doors remain open for now, so we’d love to see you before we close.

“Thank you as soon as once more for greater than 40 years of assist – it has been our absolute privilege to serve you – from all of us at Blunts Shoes Kingstanding.”

The news has prompted an outpouring of memories online from long-time customers.

Ann Moore said: “I nonetheless have my sons first footwear, with field and receipt, 41 years in the past.”

Josephine Brown wrote: “So unhappy, purchased my kids’s first footwear from you!”

Another customer added: “What a disgrace. My mother acquired my first faculty footwear from there. Part of my private historical past. You might be missed.”

Jane Wilson wrote: “Oh no, I had my first pair of footwear there in 1970 and each my kids did too, it was a convention. Very unhappy x”

Phil Strach said: “Bad information.. I keep in mind one of many employees exhibiting me a barely totally different option to do up my laces again within the early 90’s . Still use that methodology as a giant boy.”