DE shops under threat

[Nwicker60]

"Your local shoe shop is up for grabs" says managing director of Dundee - based company

DE's shops in Wick and Thurso could be among the latest trade casualties in the far north if an initiative by the company doesn't produce a response.
The ailing shoe chain announced today that it has has put their 31 branches in Scotland up for sale but stress that redundancies could be avoided if anyone wants to buy them.
The long-established Dundee company stated today that since their troubles had become known, there had been "a significant increase in footfall" with many loathe to see the shops that have served their communities, disappear.
Managing director Robert Sinclair said today that there was "a great opportunity" for prospective investors to save the 31 outlets.
The stores could be sold en-bloc as going concerns or individually. Some support might be available added Mr Sinclair who stressed that their 90-day consultation with staff about the company's future was continuing.
Noel Donaldson writes-"It's sad to see any shops go, but given the present state of the economy but I can't see anyone taking over the Wick shop unless, it was on a change-of-use basis which might provide an opportunity for the staff. The Wick DE branch must rank as the local shop longestin existence in the town, in its original site and selling the same wares, which would make its disappearance even more disappointing."