Fri, 30 Jan 2026

Fri, 30 Jan 2026 'We hope it's not the end': Firm behind Prince George's baby shoes warns it may close

The Leicester-based family firm of 73 years said it has been hit by "prices going up, but demand going down".

* A Leicester-based shoe company, Early Days, is at risk of shutting down due to declining customer demand and rising business costs.
* Despite being worn by Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, which led to a surge in sales, the 73-year-old firm is struggling to stay afloat.
* Owner Paul Bolton said the company has been hit "from all angles" with a slump in orders from shoe shops, increasing energy and materials costs, and rising wages and tax bills.
* The company was forced to increase prices of its shoes, but demand has decreased due to consumer spending issues.
* Early Days has reduced its workforce from over 100 employees to just 10, with Bolton and his brother propping the firm up with their own money.
* The company is exploring interest from potential buyers and hopes to find a new owner to keep it in business.
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