TEDDINGTON'S most popular shoe shop Johnsons Shoes in Broad Street has been SAVED from closure, Teddington Nub News is delighted to reveal today.

The shop, one of twelve belonging to the parent company, the Bowley family, went into administration back in May describing the coronavirus pandemic as the 'final nail in the coffin" for a business already struggling against online competition and a challenging retail climate.

Johnsons Shoes Company, which operated stores under the Johnsons Shoes and Bowleys Fine Shoes brands, has been purchased by Newjohn Ltd which is part of the independent retailer, Daniel Footwear, saving 66 jobs.

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.

Today the Teddington shop front looked bare of stock but plenty of shoes were on sale inside. Signs on the window announced a SALE of up to 50% and 'UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT."

Daniel Footwear, a Leeds-based independent retailer founded by Daniel Buck 27 years ago which now has 20 stores operating under the Daniel brand. The company has won awards for its online trading.

Current locations include Harrogate, York, Swindon, Hull, Hale, Ellesmere Port, Glasgow, Muswell Hill in London and Stanmore.

The Teddington store is a firm favourite with parents for their children's shoes and the news back in May was greeted with shock and surprise.

Ian Defty and Richard Toone from insolvency and restructuring firm CVR Global were appointed as joint administrators of Johnsons Shoes Company, and successfully secured a buyer for part of the business.

Ian Defty said: "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.

"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.

"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."