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| More than 160 job losses after shoe chain DE Shoes closes | More than 160 job losses after shoe chain DE Shoes closes |
| (about 1 hour later) | |
| More than 160 people are to lose their jobs after a 146-year-old Dundee-based shoe retail chain failed to find a buyer for its business. | More than 160 people are to lose their jobs after a 146-year-old Dundee-based shoe retail chain failed to find a buyer for its business. |
| William Smith Ltd is to shut 25 shops, which trade as DE Shoes and Foot Factory, after attempts to avoid closure proved unsuccessful. | |
| The firm said it had been a victim of "difficult economic times". | The firm said it had been a victim of "difficult economic times". |
| Staff were given their notice after a consultation concerning the future of the company finished on Friday. | Staff were given their notice after a consultation concerning the future of the company finished on Friday. |
| Managing director Robert Sinclair said no viable alternatives to the closure of the business had been identified and they had not been able to sell the business as a going concern. | Managing director Robert Sinclair said no viable alternatives to the closure of the business had been identified and they had not been able to sell the business as a going concern. |
| He said: "The sale of five stores in March, saving almost a quarter of retail jobs, was, however, a positive achievement and there continues to be some interest in a small number of the remaining stores as going concerns." | He said: "The sale of five stores in March, saving almost a quarter of retail jobs, was, however, a positive achievement and there continues to be some interest in a small number of the remaining stores as going concerns." |
| Sad decision | Sad decision |
| Notice has now been given to the company's 162 staff and a closing down closing down sale at the 25 branches of DE Shoes and Foot Factory still in the company's ownership will begin on Wednesday. | |
| Mr Sinclair added: "I am immensely sad that in the company's 146th year it has proved necessary to decide to wind it up. | Mr Sinclair added: "I am immensely sad that in the company's 146th year it has proved necessary to decide to wind it up. |
| "The last months have been incredibly difficult for everyone but I have been grateful for the ongoing support from members of the public who do not want to see their local shoe shop close. | "The last months have been incredibly difficult for everyone but I have been grateful for the ongoing support from members of the public who do not want to see their local shoe shop close. |
| "Unfortunately shopping habits have shown a move away from local High Streets and in these difficult economic times even loyal customers have had to cut back on their footwear purchases." | "Unfortunately shopping habits have shown a move away from local High Streets and in these difficult economic times even loyal customers have had to cut back on their footwear purchases." |
| The branches being closed are: | The branches being closed are: |