A POPULAR family-owned shoe shop has reopened after its managers retired.
Humphries Shoes, based at 48 Andrew’s Street in Droitwich Spa, is reopening its doors just over a week after waving goodbye to co-owners Ian and Heather Humphries.
The family-run business, which has sister shops in Redditch, Alvechurch and Stow-on-the-Wold, will still be under the same family ownership as it reopens with new stock today (Tuesday, April 21).
Six family members still run the business across the four stores and online, including Ian’s father Donald who turns 90 this year, his wife Carol, sons Nick, Hugh and Paul, and Nick’s wife Julie.
“The store will continue very much as it always has. The same staff, same name, same family,” said Nick Humphries, the brother of Ian Humphries.
“It will largely be the same team that has previously been in the store.”
He added that the family will also be in Droitwich, overseeing the store regularly.
Upon announcing the retirement of Ian and Heather, the shop was overrun with positive messages, receiving over 1000 likes and 400 comments on Facebook alone.
“He’s been there for a long time and he had a good relationship with all the customers in the store,” added the 41-year-old. “We hope to continue a similar relationship.
“It’s been very nice to hear how much people have enjoyed shopping at the store and how pleased they are to see it running in the town.
“We have been working hard over the last week to get lots of new stock in. A great selection of shoes and sandals for spring and summer 2026 that I’m sure our customers will love.”
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Droitwich branch was Humphries’ second store following their Redditch store that was opened in 1862. The Droitwich branch opened its doors in 1987.
“The business started in 1862 in Redditch with my great, great grandfather (Walter Humphries),” said Nick. “He had a shoe makers and boot makers in the town.”
The business was passed onto William – Nick and Ian’s great-grandfather, who started to stock and sell shoes from British manufacturers rather than making his own.
The first Humprhies store in Redditch pictured with William Humphries in the doorway in 1920 (Image: Supplied)
Nick Humphries feels the store being built on family offers it an advantage.
“It does make quite a big difference,” he said. The business valuing our relationship with our customers and the level of service we give, and the relationship with the staff.
“(We will) continue to offer the fantastic service that we have been for the last 160 years as a f business.”amily-run
