Johnsons Shoes in Twickenham, which has fitted generations of local children, is going.

Residents have expressed their sadness at the loss of the much-loved outfitter, which seemed to have a future after being bought out of administration in July last year.

Sister outlets, including a Johnsons in Teddington, another in East Sheen and Bowleys Fine Shoes, Richmond, have suffered the same fate - apparently victims of pandemic lockdowns.

The problems have also been linked to rising rents and business rates, combined with increasing competition from online shopping.

Deputy leader of Richmond Council, Alexander Ehmann, said: "Really shocked and very sorry to see Johnsons Shoes in Twickenham are closing down (as well as Teddington). As a parent of three boys who often got their shoes there, it's a great loss.

"The place and the employees were always brilliant."

Another fan of the store wrote: "So sorry to hear this. Bought school shoes for all my 4 kids there, starting with 'first shoes' in 1980! Great staff, always helpful and patient."

Writer, blogger, photographer and history lover, Liz Anderson, wrote on Twitter: "Really sorry to see Johnson's Shoes #Twickenham closing down after so many years on the High Street.

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"Many a battle took place here between myself & my eldest over what constituted *sensible* school shoes or not."

Responses included: "The one in Teddington is going too. They seem to be shutting them all down. Which is a shame because it was the only place to get decent shoes this side of Kingston."

Another said: "Oh that's such a shame, I didn't know that. Their sister shop Bowley's in Richmond closed last year too. Really sad to see them go."

A third said: "Very sad. I think back to the frequent visits with three children all needing school shoes, trainers, wellies, football/rugby boots or ballet shoes all in one go. You had little cards to get stamped so that you got a free pair. Really really sad."

Last summer, Johnsons Shoes was bought out of administration by Newjohn Ltd, which is part of the independent retailer Daniel Footwear.

At the time, the joint administrators Ian Defty and Richard Toone, heralded saying it would save a significant number of jobs.

They were confident about the future, saying: "We believe we have found a buyer who, with more than 20 years of retail experience, is the perfect fit for Johnsons Shoes as they are ideally placed to help them expand their online presence and product offering."

Daniel Footwear has been contacted for a comment.

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