King’s shirtmaker collars his shoemaker to take a hike

THE King’s shirtmaker has kicked the King’s shoemaker out of its flagship London shop after 25 years.

Crockett & Jones has been served notice on its store at 69 Jermyn Street because the company it leases the space fromturnbull & Asser, the shirtmaker, wants to expand its shop next door.

“From our point of view it’s obviously a shame,” James Fox, marketing director at Crockett & Jones, said.

“As a business we are disappointed to essentially have our hands forced because we don’t own the building.”

The shoe company was founded in 1879 in Northampton and is one of Britain’s premier shoemakers, with stores in Knightsbridge, New York, Paris and Brussels. It was given a royal warrant by King Charles in 2017.

Turnbull & Asser, meanwhile, was founded in 1885 and was the first recipient of a warrant from the King when he was given the power to bestow them as the Prince of Wales in 1980. Crockett & Jones’s store at 69 Jermyn Street opened in 1997 and was the company’s first retail outlet. It will finish trading there on March 31.

The shoemaker will retain a presence on one of London’s premier streets for high fashion, after opening a larger flagship store at 92 Jermyn Street in 2011.

As well as supplying the King, both companies have dressed several James Bond actors: Crockett & Jones shoes were worn by Daniel Craig in the 007 films Skyfall and Spectre, while fellow Bond stars Sean Connery and Pierce Brosnan wore Turnbull & Asser shirts.

Mr Fox said the split with Turnbull & Asser had been “amicable” and there was “no dispute”.

“It’s a great shame. We would love to be in 69 Jermyn Street for the next 50 years, but the world moves on,” he said. “We just have to agree and say thank you very much for the 25 years, move forward and look forward.”

All of the staff affected will be given roles within the business. Turnbull & Asser was approached for comment.