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Famous city shoe store closes after 40 years

Sonia Kataria
BBC News, Leicester
BBC Side image of Blunts Shoes store in Leicester with closing down and sale postersBBC
Blunts Shoes said footfall had been a factor in the decision to close its Leicester outlet

A well-known shoe shop in Leicester has closed down after 40 years in business.

Blunts Shoes, in Granby Street, had announced the closure at the beginning of the year.

Company bosses said footfall had been a factor in their decision.

The store had received national attention after singer James Blunt claimed he was the owner in a running joke on social media.

James Blunt laughing during radio interview with a large mic in front of him
James Blunt spent years joking that he was the owner of the Leicester shoe store

The company, which has nine other outlets across the country, said in a social media post: "After 40 wonderful years, we are sad to announce the closing of our Blunts Shoes Leicester store.

"It has been an honour to serve this community, and we are truly grateful for your support and loyalty over the years."

Shoppers in Leicester said they were sad to see it go, with one 73-year-old woman telling the BBC: "My mum used to take us there when I was a girl for school shoes. It's an iconic building.

"It's a shame really. Lots of people went there, but people shop online now."

Front image of Blunts Shoes store in Leicester
Blunts Shoes announced the closure in January

Singer Mr Blunt, known for playing the clown on social media, had first posted about the store six years before his appearance at BBC Radio 2 in The Park 2023 in Leicester.

When asked about it by BBC Radio Leicester's Ady Dayman during the event, he said: "Yeah, shop's doing really well - even through the pandemic just going hell for leather."

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