Alfred Sargent - GONE!

[Groover]

News is circulating that Alfred Sargent have gone out of business.

Last month it was reported that redundancies would affect the company:

http://www.northantset.co.uk/rushden...ncy.4679645.jp

http://www.bbc.co.uk/northamptonshir..._feature.shtml


I got in touch with the British Footwear Association (www.britfoot.com) this morning and they confirmed that they had in fact closed down this week.

Not only is this very very sad news but I wonder how this impacts the G&G considering they rent floor space/equipment to produce their ranges.

 

[Leather man]

Just read about this on Ask Andy Groover and have posted there too. Incredibly sad news - like you I wonder how this will affect G&G - I believe their business is profitable and doing well but its the premises I wonder about - will they need to move etc? If you find out more please post.

Mostly of course very sad for the Sargent family, the work force and the customers. There were so many plans and hopes for a renaissance of Sargents now all dashed

 

[ColeFieldHouse]

What happens to BB's Peal line? No more Made in England?

 

[academe]

Originally Posted by ColeFieldHouse

What happens to BB's Peal line? No more Made in England?

There are still a large number of Peals that are made by C&J, or at least that's what they looked like when I stuck my head into their store in NYC this summer...

This is a sad sad story...

 

[ManofKent]

I knew things were tough and they were downsizing, but I hoped they'd pull through.

Maybe they'll be a rescue bid but I don't hold out much hope.

 

[upnorth]

If they are holding a liquidation sale of their existing stock, please could someone update.

 

[tonylumpkin]

This is an article from a local Northhampton newspaper, dated today. There's still no announcement of a closing, but it doesn't sound good. http://www.northantset.co.uk/news/No...ers.4754073.jp

 

[NorCal_1]

what does this also do to Shipton & Henneage?

 

[Clark]

This is, if true, very sad indeed. Some of my favourite shoes are from AS.

/C

 

[Groover]

Originally Posted by NorCal_1

what does this also do to Shipton & Henneage?

Well you see this is the interesting bit. I've had some shoes on order from S&H and I spoke to them today, they iun turn have spoken to AS and they're still sending out shoes and taking orders and as far as they're concerned they're still in business. The plot thickens.....

 

[whnay.]

Extremely disheartening.

 

[Henry Boogers]

Sad news. <starts looking around for clearance opportunities>

 

[AndrewRogers]

Things will only get worse It is wise to remember that our enthusiasm isn't shared by enough people to keep these places afloat, so buy up now, before it's all too late.

 

[RJmanbearpig]

Sad news. It begins.

Customers willing to spend a lot of money on shoes are still around and will be, but they're going to spend on a brand with a marketing budget and the ability to cut costs by moving production or cutting corners.

If you care about a given maker -- and can afford to shop BEFORE they go bankrupt and sell everything at fire sale prices -- do it now. If it is fiscally prudent for you in these dark times.

 

[william]

Originally Posted by whnay.

Extremely disheartening.

Wonder what Sid will do now? Maybe use C&J?