Shoe Zone Company History
Bensonshoe (as it then was) was acquired in 1980 by Michael and Christopher Smith (father and uncle respectively of current Chief Executive, Anthony Smith, and current Chairman, Charles Smith).
Key milestones in Shoe Zone's development include the following:
1980
Michael and Christopher Smith purchase Bensonshoe.
1981
J W Wassall plc acquired.
1986
John Tyler & Sons, Limited acquired.
1996
Change of trading name to Shoe Zone
1997
Anthony Smith becomes Chief Executive Officer having joined the business in 1993.
2000
Oliver Group plc acquired.
2001
Charles Smith becomes Chief Operating Officer having joined the business in 1998.
2008
Assets of Stead & Simpson and Shoe Express acquired.
2014
Shoe Zone floated on the London Stock Exchange, a move that valued the business at around £80 million.
2016
The Shoe Zone logo was revamped, introducing a fresh new look and colour, replacing the orange with a complimentary blue and white colour scheme.
2018
On 19th August 2018 the 1st "Out of Town" store was opened in Launceston, selling branded stock alongside own brand styles. A further 2 stores with this new concept opened in Durham and Kirkstall, Leeds.
On 24th November 2018, the 1st "New Concept Hybrid" store opened in Manchester, in the Arndale Centre, selling a combination of branded and own brand styles. A further two stores of this kind opened in Exeter and Dereham.
2020
Our store portfolio continues to grow with 53 "Out of Town" stores and 7 "New Concept Hybrid" stores open selling both branded and own brand styles, as well as 398 High Street stores.
Last updated: December 2020