Uncertain future for flat-footed British Shoe

Embattled retail group Sears has announced plans of a split-up, and the departure of its chief executive Liam Strong, after continued shareholder pressure to get its act together. The biggest thorn in the group’s side has been described as British Shoe Corporation, the rambling shoe group which, according to one insider last year, had “forgotten how to sell shoes”. It hasn’t forgotten how to employ designers, though. British Shoe has had more designs than designers have had hot dinners, and currently employs Hayward Design as a “brand guardian” to all its brands. Previous designers to the group have included New Yorker James Mansour and 20/20. Its uncertain future will have designers trembling in their boots. Which, unfortunately for Sears, were probably bought somewhere else.