News
Shoe Zone Blames Budget Measures for Store Closures as Profits Slump
Shoe Zone, the UK-based footwear retailer, has attributed its latest wave of store closures to cost pressures triggered by the UK government’s October budget. The Leicester-headquartered chain, which employs approximately 2,250 staff across 297 stores, cited higher national insurance contributions and an increase in the minimum wage as key factors pushing some of its outlets past the point of financial viability.
In a statement outlining “very challenging trading conditions,” Shoe Zone highlighted several contributing factors: reduced consumer confidence following the Chancellor’s budget announcement, weaker-than-expected spending, and poor weather conditions that negatively impacted footfall. As a result, the company revised its profit expectations for the financial year ending 27th September 2025, lowering its forecast to “not less than £5 million” — half of its original target of £10 million.
“This year’s budget, announced by Rachel Reeves in October 2024, has intensified cost pressures and impacted consumer sentiment,” the company said. “As a result, certain stores can no longer be maintained.” Additionally, Shoe Zone confirmed that it would not pay a final dividend for 2024, a move that added to investor concerns.
The news led to a sharp decline in the retailer’s stock price, with shares falling by 38.5% to 85p. This drop caps a difficult year for the company, with its stock price having fallen by two-thirds over the past 12 months.
Founded in 1980, Shoe Zone is known for offering budget-friendly footwear, with an average price of £13.30 per pair. The retailer operates a mix of high street, retail park, and online outlets. Despite its ongoing efforts to close loss-making stores — having shut 26 branches in the last financial year — management had hoped that measures like store refurbishments and larger-format outlets would help stabilize or improve performance.
However, the unexpected increase in wage and tax costs has accelerated the closure process. Although the company did not specify the number of additional closures, it is clear that Shoe Zone is taking a more defensive stance amid economic challenges.
Analysts have expressed mixed opinions on the company’s decision to link the closures to the budget. Some questioned the rationale, noting that footwear is typically considered a non-discretionary purchase. Others, however, acknowledged Shoe Zone’s history of prudent cost management and suggested that the retailer is simply taking a cautious approach, choosing not to subsidize loss-making stores in such uncertain times.
Zeus Capital offered a more positive outlook, citing the company’s strong fundamentals, including zero financial debt and a track record of restoring dividends when conditions improve. While investors face short-term challenges, Shoe Zone’s swift response to economic pressures may ultimately benefit its long-term prospects.
News
Trump Media & Technology Group Expands Into Cryptocurrency and Fintech with Launch of Truth.Fi
Donald Trump’s media company, Trump Media & Technology Group (TMTG), has announced plans to enter the cryptocurrency and financial technology markets under a new brand, Truth.Fi. The news prompted a 15% rise in TMTG’s shares during pre-market trading on Wednesday.
The company stated that Truth.Fi would focus on investment accounts and cryptocurrency services, including Bitcoin and other crypto-related securities. TMTG is committing up to $250 million to fund the initiative, with Charles Schwab managing the assets.
This expansion into the fintech space is expected to raise new concerns about potential conflicts of interest, especially considering Trump’s previous role as president. Last week, Trump faced criticism for launching a meme coin shortly before his inauguration, an event that former government ethics officials called “shameful” due to its timing.
Despite struggling to establish a social network competitive with major players like Meta Platforms’ Facebook and Instagram or Elon Musk’s X, TMTG has raised millions since becoming publicly traded last year. Much of its financial backing has come from its status as a “meme stock,” buoyed by social media attention rather than its performance in the social media market.
In a statement released Wednesday, TMTG, which is majority-owned by Trump, outlined plans to introduce a series of investment vehicles under the Truth.Fi banner in the coming months. Devin Nunes, the company’s CEO, described the move as a “natural expansion” of the Truth Social movement. Nunes further emphasized that Truth.Fi would support “American patriots” in defending themselves against “cancel culture” and “big tech censorship.”
The launch of Truth.Fi signals TMTG’s broader ambitions beyond social media, marking a shift toward the rapidly growing cryptocurrency and fintech sectors. However, as the company moves into these new areas, it is likely to face increased scrutiny regarding both its business practices and its founder’s previous political ties.
News
One in Five UK Workers Fear Speaking Up About Mental Health, Study Finds
More than one in five UK employees feel unable to discuss their mental health struggles in the workplace, according to new research highlighting persistent stigma and a lack of employer support.
The study, based on data from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), reveals that 7.5 million workers experience anxiety, depression, or stress caused or worsened by their jobs. Despite these challenges, they do not feel safe disclosing their difficulties to their employers.
A significant gender divide emerged in the findings, with 3.9 million men reporting workplace-related mental health issues without seeking support. This figure is 8% higher than the 3.5 million women who experienced similar struggles, suggesting that men may feel a greater reluctance to ask for help.
Industry-Wide Disparities
The research also identified stark differences across industries. The automotive sector had the highest proportion of employees suffering in silence, with 1.13 million workers reporting unaddressed mental health concerns. This was closely followed by the health and social care sector, where 1.11 million employees kept their struggles private.
In contrast, the arts, entertainment, and recreation industry recorded the lowest number of workers suffering unseen, at 264,000. The financial and insurance sector followed closely behind, with 256,000 employees reluctant to speak up about their mental health challenges.
Calls for Workplace Change
Richard Stockley, Managing Director at RRC International, which conducted the research, described the findings as “shocking.” He emphasized that while progress has been made in addressing mental health stigma, many workers still do not feel comfortable discussing their struggles.
“Our research shines a very necessary light on the issue, helping employers better understand just how widespread mental health challenges are,” Stockley said. “Change begins in the workplace, and with the right culture and training, employers can ensure their businesses are safe spaces for all who work there.”
The findings underscore the need for businesses to foster open discussions about mental health and provide proper support structures for employees. Experts suggest that implementing mental health training for managers, offering confidential support services, and promoting an inclusive workplace culture could help break down barriers and encourage workers to seek help without fear of stigma or repercussions.
As workplace mental health remains a growing concern, the study serves as a wake-up call for employers to take meaningful steps toward improving employee well-being and creating an environment where mental health can be discussed openly and without fear.
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