Shoe retailer moves up a size after deal

A locally grown independent shoe retailer has just completed an expansion of its operations.

North Shoes, which was founded 141 years ago, has agreed the acquisition of Cottons of Oundle – a family shoe firm that traces its origins to 1871.

The deal means that Cottons, of 7 Market Place, Oundle, will trade as North Shoes from the end of July. All six full and part-time members of staff have been retained.

It also means North Shoes now have five shops, with stores in Westgate, in Peterborough, Stamford, Bourne and Cambridge,

James North, the fifth generation at the helm of Bourne-based North Shoes, said: “We’re always looking for more shops. I am absolutely delighted to have acquired Cottons. It is the right fit for us – a lovely, independent, longestablished shoe business in a lovely market town.

“We want to carry on offering what they have been offering as a quality family concern, including the links with Oundle School. We will continue to sell all of the brands they have offered and maintain the same high quality level of service, bringing the Society of Shoe Fitters expertise to the business.”

Managing director Anne Cotton, the fourth generation at the head of R C Cotton and Sons Ltd, said: “I will be sad to see the business go out of the family but my father, Stuart, and I recognise this is the right time for it to happen.”

Anne Cotton and James North outside R C Cotton and Sons, in Oundle.