It is always sad to announce the end of a business – even more so when it's family-run. As such, past customers may be disappointed to hear of the closure of the well-known shop Jacksons, the Shoe People.
Dawn Davis, who ran the business with her sister, Debbie, has written to tell me the shop's history. She says: "The business was originally founded in 1938, by our grandad, George W Jackson, when he opened a shoe repairers in Front Street, Birstall.
"It is believed the shop closed for a short while during the war years.
"After the war, George started making sandals from plastic strips, with wooden wedge heels. These were made in pretty colours and were very popular after the dull days of the war.
"In 1947, he opened a shop in Conduit Street, Leicester, and began selling Wide Fitting Glace Kid Shoes.
"The retail side of the business continued to grow and was expanded into family footwear, including the famous Tuf brand.
"George Senior was joined by other family members in the business. His son, George Junior and his wife, Jill, opened a shop in Narborough Road, Leicester, in the late 1960s, although this closed in the mid-1980s.
"Another shop was opened in Cavendish Road, Leicester, and was run by George's wife, Kate, and was later taken over by their daughter, Mavis, and her husband, Ken.
"July 1, 1972, saw the opening of a Jacksons shop in King's Lynn. By now, George and Kate Jackson had completely retired, so the business was run by Mavis and Ken.
"By offering the same friendly service and value for money, the business was as popular in Norfolk as it had been in Leicester.
"In 1983, Jacksons moved to Hunstanton, as it was felt we had outgrown the King's Lynn shop. The business continued to thrive, still run by Mavis, Ken and other family members.
"In 1997, Jackson's celebrated its golden and silver anniversary in one year – 50 years in business, 25 of them in Norfolk.
"In 1998, after 40 years in business, without a full week's holiday, Mavis and Ken decided to retire and their daughters Dawn and Debbie took over the business.
"On October 25, 2008, Jacksons the Shoe People celebrated 70 years, but unfortunately, the business had been struggling in recent years, mainly because of the loss of Elmdale and Equity, the difficulty of obtaining footwear, as well as the deterioration of quality. Jacksons struggled on, despite the downturn of trade.
"Last year we let go of all our staff and subsequently introduced a dress agency.
"However, it was still not enough. We had to make the heart-breaking decision to cease trading.
"The following formal announcement was then issued:
"It is with deepest sadness and regret that after 73 years in business, we announce that Jacksons, the Shoe People ceased to trade on February 18, 2012.
"After fighting the economic downturn, we can no longer continue to trade.
"Many thanks to all our past customers, who supported us."
Dawn Davis, who ran the business with her sister, Debbie, has written to tell me the shop's history. She says: "The business was originally founded in 1938, by our grandad, George W Jackson, when he opened a shoe repairers in Front Street, Birstall.
"It is believed the shop closed for a short while during the war years.
"After the war, George started making sandals from plastic strips, with wooden wedge heels. These were made in pretty colours and were very popular after the dull days of the war.
"In 1947, he opened a shop in Conduit Street, Leicester, and began selling Wide Fitting Glace Kid Shoes.
"The retail side of the business continued to grow and was expanded into family footwear, including the famous Tuf brand.
"George Senior was joined by other family members in the business. His son, George Junior and his wife, Jill, opened a shop in Narborough Road, Leicester, in the late 1960s, although this closed in the mid-1980s.
"Another shop was opened in Cavendish Road, Leicester, and was run by George's wife, Kate, and was later taken over by their daughter, Mavis, and her husband, Ken.
"July 1, 1972, saw the opening of a Jacksons shop in King's Lynn. By now, George and Kate Jackson had completely retired, so the business was run by Mavis and Ken.
"By offering the same friendly service and value for money, the business was as popular in Norfolk as it had been in Leicester.
"In 1983, Jacksons moved to Hunstanton, as it was felt we had outgrown the King's Lynn shop. The business continued to thrive, still run by Mavis, Ken and other family members.
"In 1997, Jackson's celebrated its golden and silver anniversary in one year – 50 years in business, 25 of them in Norfolk.
"In 1998, after 40 years in business, without a full week's holiday, Mavis and Ken decided to retire and their daughters Dawn and Debbie took over the business.
"On October 25, 2008, Jacksons the Shoe People celebrated 70 years, but unfortunately, the business had been struggling in recent years, mainly because of the loss of Elmdale and Equity, the difficulty of obtaining footwear, as well as the deterioration of quality. Jacksons struggled on, despite the downturn of trade.
"Last year we let go of all our staff and subsequently introduced a dress agency.
"However, it was still not enough. We had to make the heart-breaking decision to cease trading.
"The following formal announcement was then issued:
"It is with deepest sadness and regret that after 73 years in business, we announce that Jacksons, the Shoe People ceased to trade on February 18, 2012.
"After fighting the economic downturn, we can no longer continue to trade.
"Many thanks to all our past customers, who supported us."
