The parent company of the popular chain of shoe shops Johnsons Shoes - a favourite high street shop for parents looking for shoes for their schoolchildren - has filed for administration, it was revealed today.

Established 50 years ago, the family-run Johnsons Shoes Company operates twelve stores in Windsor, Newbury, Staines, Teddington, East Sheen, New Malden, Twickenham, Walton-on-Thames, Northwood, Richmond, Beaconsfield and Farnham.

It said it entered administration after struggling against online competition and suffering the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

Ian Defty and Richard Toone from insolvency and restructuring firm CVR Global were appointed as joint administrators.

All of the retailer's 145 staff furloughed will keep their jobs while the administrators actively seek a buyer for the business.

"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," 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 added: "The business's products have mass family appeal, and if it can attract a buyer who can help it to adapt and trade, possibly via online channels, then it has a strong chance of continuing the strong legacy it has built up over the decades.

"We have had a number of expressions of interest in the business but it remains for sale, and it's imperative that we find a buyer in the near future."

Interested parties should contact Jessica Wood via [email protected] for more details.