Historic shoe businesses tie up deal
Two businesses with a combined history of almost 300 years have completed a takeover deal. Cottons of Oundle - a family shoe fi rm dating back to 1871 - has been bought by Lincolnshire-based North Shoes, whose own roots go back to 1876.
Based at 7 Market Place, Oundle, Cottons is a stand-alone, independent shoe shop in a small but vibrant market town with a thriving business, amazing staff and hugely loyal customers. Managing Director Anne Cotton, the fourth generation at the head of R C Cotton and Sons Ltd, was sad to see the business go out of the family, but recognised along with her father, Stuart, that this was the right time.
James North had approached Anne Cotton about buying the business and the family would not have sold it to just anybody.
The shop has been trading as North Shoes since the end of July and all six full and part-time members of staff have been taken on as part of the deal. Both James North and Anne Cotton are delighted that two businesses have come together in this way and that Oundle is now assured a good quality independent shoe shop for many years to come.
James North, the fi fth generation at the helm of Bourne-based North Shoes, wants to carry on off ering what they have been off ering as a quality family concern, including the links with Oundle School. They will continue to sell all of the brands previously off ered and maintain the same high quality level of service, bringing the Society of Shoe Fitters expertise to the business.
The deal increases the North Shoes stable to fi ve shops, with stores also in Peterborough, Stamford, Bourne and Cambridge.
North Shoes, 7 Market Place, Oundle Tel: 01832 272534 www.northshoes.co.uk
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