A FAMILY run business has announced it will close one of its shops next month.
Mathews Shoes will close its branch in Station Road, New Milton, in February, but the shop in High Street, Christchurch, will remain open.
The family-run business has been in the hands of the Mathews family since 1957, when it was first opened by Gordon and Pat.
A spokesman from the business said: “Our New Milton branch will be closing in February 2025.
“We’d like to thank all our customers for your loyalty over the years and apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.
“Until then, please pop along to grab a sale bargain and from February onwards we’d love to see you at our Christchurch shop.”
Many considered the business idea a “risky” venture back in 1957, according to the family, but since then it has “flourished”.
In 1971, Mathews Shoes moved into Christchurch’s high street with the name it is known as now – before then, it was G&P Mathews Distinctive Footwear.
New Milton’s branch was opened in 1989, making Mathews Shoes one of the strongest independent footwear retailers on the south coast.
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