Variety.	Now open.

There are 15 shops closing every day, up and down the UK as we do this article. So I can tell you of one that has opened, instead of closing down.

When I first got wind of a new shoe shop opening up in Rushden, I had several different reactions. Was it going to be a flash in the pan, or were we going to get something in town that we really want to use?

JM HA HA UK, (stands for John and Margaret, His and Her Attire UK), are now in town to see if they can make a suitable impression.

Fitting out the shop.	John and Margaret.

I did visit the site of this new venture in early February 2024, and was pleased to meet up with the owner Mr John Cassells, when we had a very pleasant chat for quite a while, about this and that. He took great joy in showing me around, which I did appreciate.

John had worked in the building trade previously, so was able to complete the shop alterations himself.

And I was given an insight into the workings of the business, and was surprised to hear that it was not a new project, but one of a re-location. Various projects on the shop took a while longer than hoped.

A big reason for the move was the high cost of running a business in Cambridgeshire, compared to that of outgoings in Rushden.

So St Ives in Cambridgeshire loses a shoe shop, and we gain one.

It certainly does seem ironic that our High Street does not have a shoe shop, when you think that we have been home to boot and shoe manufacturing for Donkey’s years.

Owner John Cassells, and his wife Margaret are in their mid 70s, and were hoping to welcome customers in early Spring 2024.

They have taken over the unit that was previously The Kids’ Shoe Den, that had run from the Spring of 2021.

On offer will be reasonably priced shoes, but they are going to be something you can add to, with a selection of handbags, summer shirts, and other fashion items. Also in the mix, are Prom dresses and Summer shirts. Prices start from around £35, and with higher prices of £95.

The owners had done a tour of the shops at Rushden Lakes, and thought that prices were on the high side, so think they have found a corner in the local market?

Ready for the beach?	Making a choice.

They can be found at JM.HA HA UK at 8 Church Street, Rushden, NN10 9YT.

The shop finally opened on Saturday, 6th April, 2024, with a dry day and decent temperatures.

Finally, does “fortune favour the brave”?

Closure 2025