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Shoe Zone Warns of Deeper Profit Drop as Shares Sink 22%

Management blamed higher wage costs for the slump.

Overview

  • Pre-tax profit fell to £3.3 million in the year to 27 September 2025 from £10.1 million a year earlier.
  • The company guided to about £1 million profit for the year to October as early trading undershot forecasts.
  • Shares dropped roughly 22% in Tuesday morning trading and are around a five-year low.
  • Chairman Charles Smith cited the November 2025 national living wage rise as a material increase to the cost base.
  • Store sales declined 10.3% to £113.1 million, with the estate reduced to about 269 shops after 39 closures and 11 openings.