Sole Trader appoints for retail review

Shoe brand Sole Trader is planning to redesign its stores, in the face of a softening market for specialist shoe retailers.

The UK chain is understood to have appointed retail design consultancy Brinkworth to revamp its outlets. There are more than 30 Sole Trader and Sole stores, with most located in the South East of England.

Rival shoe retailer Dolcis was bailed out of administration earlier this month by Stylo, which trades as Barratts, Shellys, PriceLess and Shutopia.

Before collapsing in January, Dolcis had begun rolling out a new look for its stores, designed by 20/20. Stylo says it is too early to comment on its plans for the Dolcis outlets.

According to Verdict Research, eight out of the UK’s top ten footwear specialists made a loss or saw profits fall during 2006.