End of an Era

The business was originally founded, in 1938, by our Grandad, George W Jackson, when he opened a Shoe Repairers in Front Street, Birstall, Leicester. 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 being made in pretty colours, were very popular after the dull days of the war. In 1947 he opened a shop in Conduit Street, Leicester. Around this time, George also 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.

It was during the 20+ years here that George Senior was joined by other family members.

George’s son, George Junior and his wife Jill, opened a shop in Narborough Road, Leicester in the late 1960's, this closed in the mid 1980's.

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 1st 1972 saw the opening of the King’s Lynn Shop, in Chapel Street. By now George and Kate Jackson had completely retired, so the business was run solely by their daughter Mavis and husband Ken. By offering the same friendly service and value for money it was as popular in Norfolk as it had been in Leicester.

In 1983, Jackson’s moved to Hunstanton, as it was felt we had outgrown the King’s Lynn shop. The business continued to thrive, still being run by Mavis, Ken and other members of the family.  In 1997 Jacksons celebrated it's Golden and Silver Anniversary in one year. 50 years in Business, 25 of them in Norfolk.

In 1998, after 40 yrs in the business, without a full weeks holiday, Mavis and Ken decided to retire. Their daughters Dawn and Debbie then took over the business.

On Saturday 25th of October 2008, Jacksons the shoe people celebrated 70 years in business by having a day of 1940's memorabilia and nostalgia. The customers were treated to a glass of ginger beer, cake and some old fashioned sweets and 1940's music. Jowett Flying Fox named 'PLUG' was parked outside, drawing lots of admiring glances from passers by.

Unfortunately, Jacksons had been struggling in recent years,  for several reasons, the loss of Elmdale and Equity, difficulty of obtaining footwear as well as the deterioration of quality.  On top of that, Hunstanton has been struggling since the demise of Woolworths.

 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 18th 2012. After fighting the economic downturn we can no longer continue to trade. Many Thanks to all our past customers, who supported us for the last 30 years in Hunstanton.