ShoeZone, a high street footwear retailer with 259 stores across the UK, has reported a significant increase in losses for the six months ending 28 March. The company recorded a pre-tax loss of £5.3 million, more than doubling the £2.3 million loss reported in the same period last year.

The retailer attributed the widening losses to the ongoing conflict in Iran, which has disrupted supply chains and increased operational costs. In response to the challenging environment, ShoeZone has undertaken a series of measures, including the closure of several stores and a reduction in the size of its warehouse facilities.

The company’s management highlighted that these steps aim to improve efficiency and reduce costs amid the broader economic uncertainty driven by geopolitical tensions. Despite the setbacks, ShoeZone remains committed to maintaining its presence in the market while adjusting its operations to mitigate the impact of external factors.

The latest financial results underscore the broader challenges faced by retailers contending with supply chain disruptions and inflationary pressures in an increasingly volatile global landscape.