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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 

Cottons of Oundle