// Johnsons Shoes has been rescued out of administration by independent footwear retailer Newjohn Limited
// It will shutter six stores throughout London
Johnsons Shoes will permanently close six stores after being bought of administration by Newjohn Limited, which is part of the independent retailer Daniel Footwear.
The store closures will take place in London after Johnsons Shoes Company, which operated stores under the Johnsons Shoes and Bowleys Fine Shoes brands, appointed Ian Defty and Richard Toone of CVR Global as joint administrators on April 23.
The company’s existing stores in Teddington, Twickenham, Walton-on-Thames, Farnham, Staines and Northwood have all been saved, and will continue to trade as Johnsons Shoes.
The firm’s other stores in Windsor, Newbury, East Sheen, New Malden, Beaconsfield and Richmond have ceased trading.
Meanwhile, 66 out of the company’s 145 employees have been saved.
Founded in 1993, Daniel Footwear is an independent retailer with over 20 stores in the UK.
It sells brands including DKNY, Ash, UGG, Tory Burch, Michael Kors, Marc Jacobs, and Vivienne Westwood.
Johnsons Shoes Company was founded in 1952 and sells high-end men’s and women’s shoes, as well as footwear for children.
“Rescuing any high street retailer during one of the most volatile economic periods in living memory is no mean feat – so we are pleased to have saved a significant number of jobs and half of the store’s estate,” CVR Global partner Ian Defty said.
“The business has traded strongly for many years, but last year was particularly difficult for them as they battled with rising rent and business rates, combined with the increasing competition from online shopping,” he said.
“However, we believe we have found a buyer who, with more than 20 years of retail experience, is the perfect fit for Johnsons Shoes as they are ideally placed to help them expand their online presence and product offering.”
