Schuh to focus on UK and Ireland as it quits Germany

By

Sandra Halliday

Published
Jun 3, 2019

Scotland-based footwear chain Schuh is to focus on the UK and Republic of Ireland markets as it withdraws from Germany with all three of its stores there set to close before the end of this month.

However, as is often the case when retailers close a market’s physical stores, it will remain online in Germany and will trade from a dedicated German website.

And the reason? The company blamed Brexit, as well as “trading headwinds” with the market having “changed considerably in a constantly evolving retail landscape.”

It’s undeniable that while Germany hasn’t suffered from the same Brexit uncertainties as the UK, its fashion market has been just as challenged in the past few years with some notable homegrown labels facing major struggles.

Schuh has been in Germany since 2015 and it was, in fact, its very first international market (excluding Ireland) with the company saying the brand had proved popular there.

“Since opening, the stores have received exceptional feedback and, despite the trading headwinds, I am so proud of the achievement of having been able to open in another country in a foreign language with such high acclaim from customers and vendors alike,” said MD Colin Temple.

Schuh was founded in 1981 and was acquired by US-based footwear and accessories giant Genesco in 2011. It operates 133 UK and Ireland stores.