A historic Coventry shoe shop will close its kids’ section due to declining sales, a decision described as heartbreaking by the owner.
Coventry: A shoe shop that’s been around for over 180 years is making some tough changes. Charles Ager on Corporation Street is closing its kids’ shoe section in March, and the owner says it’s just heartbreaking.
The shop was started by brothers Charles and Walter Ager way back in 1840. It originally opened on Smithford Way but moved to Corporation Street after the WWII bombings. It’s been there for about 80 years now.
Sadly, the kids’ shoe sales have dropped significantly. Owner Chris Hart mentioned that many folks come in to get their kids’ feet measured but then buy shoes from cheaper places like Shoe Zone or online. He said sales have been falling for the last decade.
Back in 2008, they sold around 25,000 pairs of kids’ shoes a year. Now, they’re down to just 3,000 pairs expected to be sold in 2024. Chris thinks younger parents just don’t measure their kids’ feet like they used to.
With stock now on discount, the kids’ section will close soon. Chris expressed his sadness, saying it’s a tough sign of the times in retail.
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