Companies

Johnsons Shoes Company enters administration

May 25, 2020 United Kingdom

The retailer, which operates under the brands Johnsons Shoes and Bowleys Fine Shoes, has entered administration after suffering the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic. CVR Global were appointed as administrators

The family-run retail business, which started trading 50 years ago, sells high-end men’s and women’s shoes, as well as footwear for schoolchildren. The company manages 12 stores under the brands Johnsons Shoes and Bowleys Fine Shoes based in London and southeast England.

Ian Defty and Richard Toone from insolvency and restructuring firm CVR Global have been appointed as administrators. Following the closure of stores back in March due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the administrators have decided to keep the company’s 145 staff furloughed while they actively seek a buyer to try and secure the jobs of staff and get the best deal for creditors.

Ian Defty, Partner at CVR Global, commented: “Due to the Coronavirus pandemic and lockdown Johnsons Shoe Company lost its ability to continue trading, and it was the final nail in the coffin for a business that was already struggling before the pandemic struck, like many other retailers. 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.

The company retails many brands including Gabor, Ecco, Merrell, Timberland, UGG, Sebago, Converse, Clarks, Vans and Geox.

Image credits: Masaaki Komori on Unsplash

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