Expanding footwear firm brings jobs to Lincoln

An expanding family footwear specialist is set to open a new store in Lincoln.

North Shoes is creating a handful of new jobs, after Lincoln commercial agent Banks Long & Co revealed that it has leased the company shop premises in Clasketgate, just off the city’s High Street.

The move marks further growth for the business – and high-class British shoemaker Loake, which has been in business since 1880. The latest North Shoes shop will concentrate solely on selling the brand of men’s footwear in what will be Loake’s first official factory outlet.

North Shoes director James North said: “We already have traditional shoe shops in Stamford, Bourne, Oundle and Cambridge, selling a wide variety of brands of men’s, women’s and children’s footwear.

“In addition, for many years we have sold Loake shoes at country fairs. I was looking to further expand our business and it was the fifth generation Managing Director of Loake, Andrew Cory, who suggested we open a dedicated Loake’s shop.

“I have always loved Lincoln and often shopped in the city. Having already expanded our business to the south and the west, I thought why not go north? I have been looking for the right size of premises for some time and our new double-fronted shop is ideal.

“Loake, which is headquartered in Kettering is well-known for its quality, traditionally Goodyear welted men’s footwear and pairs generally retail anywhere from £135 to £275 , but we shall be concentrating on selling clearance and end-of-line shoes,” said Mr North.

He added that there has been good interest from jobseekers keen to work in the new shop, which is employing a manager, assistant manager and two other assistants.

North is hoping to welcome the first customers to his new shop before the end of this month.

Loake’s managing director Andrew Cory said: “It is great to be working with James and his team on another retail project at a time when everyone thinks online is the only future for selling products in the UK.

“This is a new departure for both North Shoes and Loake which, with new deliveries and changes to stock every week, will encourage shoppers to visit.”

Banks Long & Co director James Butcher said: “We are delighted to have assisted another family business with its latest ‘bricks and mortar’ move. This is an exciting new venture for North Shoes and we wish James North and his team the best for the future.”