Sir – I write to you with regret, having been informed that “The Shoe Shop” in Bath Street, Abingdon, will be closing its doors this month. The shop has stood the test of time for well over 100 years, selling shoes to customers in Abingdon and surrounding areas.

History tells us that Mr Chapman traded, selling and making shoes from this establishment in the early 1900s.

The shop was then taken over by Mr and Mrs Ted Jarvis, who ran the shop throughout the Second World War and after.

Many of his customers will remember the club they ran to help families ease the cost of purchasing shoes.

We took over the business in 1970, where we stocked soft-leather comfort shoes in many wide fittings.

At the time we purchased from many UK companies, based around Northamptonshire and Leicestershire.

A Northamptonshire manufacturer came to visit us and asked if we would stock a newly-developed comfortable and hard-wearing range, called Dr Marten’s, which later went on to be a UK success story selling in millions across the world.

Later, we introduced superbly-made shoes from Germany and Italy, having extra padding and support.

Brian Gower Shoes traded for 33 years, we were very pleased when we retired, when we handed the business over to Mrs Judith Knight. Judith changed the name to The Shoe Shop of Abingdon and has traded for the last 12 years.

Judith has taken the business to new retailing heights, adding extra ranges of footwear and leather accessories, such as handbags from companies including Radley.

The experienced staff members will be missed for their professional and patient service they have provided to Abingdon for many years.

Brian Gower
Marcham