Scottish footwear retailer Schuh closes website amid 'conflicting' government advice

Schuh, the Livingston-headquartered footwear retailer, has closed its website operation and all of its high street stores amid what it said was “conflicting” government advice.

Livingston headquartered Schuh has more than 120 stores across the UK and Ireland.

The firm said that along with its stores that were already closed across the UK, Ireland and the Channel Islands, it had decided to shut its online operation temporarily amid the coronavirus crisis.

Chief executive Colin Temple said: “At this point in time, the UK government guidelines include that online retail should ‘still open’ and ‘is encouraged’ along with advice that if staff cannot reasonably work from home, they should continue to go into work.

“However, with the Schuh head office and DC operations based in Scotland and Scottish Government advice conflicting with UK government advice, Schuh management have made the decision to close their website, in addition to their stores that already closed from the evening of Sunday 22 March.”

He added: “A number of DC staff continue to indicate that they want to work within the warehouse to support the Schuh online business, along with other departmental employees offering their support also. However, Schuh management have confirmed that the website and stores will remain closed until there is updated UK and Scottish government advice.”

The business was founded in 1981 and has grown to become one of the most familiar names on the high street with more than 120 stores in the UK and Republic of Ireland. US group Genesco bought Schuh in 2011 for some £125 million.

The group stressed that its employees and customers were at the heart of its business and wanted to ensure that it put their health and wellbeing first.

All employees will continue to be supported by the Schuh business and will be paid while management seek to further understand the government business support available.

Temple added: “The welfare of employees is Schuh’s key priority, including critical mental health support at this key time. All staff already have access to my rT wellbeing service (previously known as RetailHUB) where there is confidential support including counselling, cognitive behavioural therapy, critical incident support as well as hardship grants and legal guidance.

“The health of Schuh customers and the wider community is also paramount. With heartfelt thanks, Schuh will continue to offer all ‘blue light’ workers a permanent discount, when they reopen. This key community will receive 20 per cent off everything.

“Schuh is also working closely with their official mental health charity, The Mix, who provide essential support to under 25s, to share regular advice on mental wellness during this very difficult period for all.”

Last September, Schuh said it had hired a retail property consultancy as it looked to cut costs across its estate.

The move came just months after the company said it was pulling out of Germany to focus on its business closer to home. However, a spokesperson stressed that the focus would be on reducing rent costs. Schuh and Genesco said they had engaged consultancy Capa to reduce occupancy costs across its portfolio.