Popular Teddington shoe shop Johnsons Shoes, is closing down just a year after its future was saved, Nub News can exclusively reveal today.

The sad signs have been there this week with empty shelves in the Johnsons window alongside large closing down signs offering 70% off everything.

Johnsons Shoes has had a significant presence on Teddington's Broad Street for many years and its friendly staff provided generations of children with their first school shoes.

No firm date has been announced for the closure of the store.

Johnsons area manager Nikki Mead blamed the shop closing on the pandemic and paid tribute to Johnsons loyal Teddington customers .

She told Nub News: "Unfortunately, the store is closing because the footfall just isn't coming into store.

"The pandemic has had a catastrophic effect on the high street and it isn't financially viable to keep trading in Teddington anymore.

"We have had very loyal customers that have shopped with us for first shoes right up until their children have left school but sadly the back to school period isn't enough to keep the store afloat for the rest of the year.

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"We do really thank these customers as they have been so loyal."

She added: "Our shop in Twickenham will continue to trade so we do hope our customers will continue to support us over there.

"It's so important for communities to really support their local retailers at this tough time as it's a very long road to a full recovery."

Teddington's branch of Johnsons Shoes went into administration in May 2020 and administrators in charge of the company described covid-19 as the "final nail in the coffin" for a business already struggling against online competition and a challenging retail climate.

The store had a new lease of life after it was dramatically saved by Leeds-based retailer Newjohn Ltd which is part of the Daniel Footwear shop.

News of Johnsons closure comes as yet another blow to Teddington's retail sector in the aftermath of the pandemic.

Two weeks ago Nub News revealed that the exclusive interior design showroom Jenny Blanc had closed down and gone into administration after 25 years in business locally.

Co-owner Jenny Blanc of the shop on Teddington high street said the pandemic had "killed the business."

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High streets across the UK are also facing threats from new government planning laws which could allow shops to be turned into housing without getting Council permission.

But there's still hope as community group Totally Locally Teddington are holding their annual Fiver Fest this month starting on Saturday 9 October.

The 2-week long celebration of independent businesses will see Teddington retailers offering fantastic £5 deals to encourage locals to visit their high street.

Keep your eyes peeled for our guide to the best £5 deals this FiverFest.