A children's shoe shop labelled “a gem” by its customers is to shut its doors.

Elves and the Shoemaker has traded under the ownership of Suzanne Crawley in Burgate, Canterbury since 2011.

But the 48-year-old has announced the independent business, which specialises in measuring and fitting kids’ footwear, is to close amid crippling costs and reduced footfall.

She said: "It is with great sadness that I am announcing this but the time has come. Elves & the Shoemaker is closing.

"We’ve all seen lots of businesses closing for a while and, sadly, we are now another casualty of the failing high street.

"The footfall into the shop has consistently reduced since Covid, which has made having a good selection of stock difficult and keeping the shop open and paying for staff unsustainable.

"[But] there isn’t just one thing that has caused it.

"Several schools, junior and senior, changed their uniform policy after Covid to allow trainers so less people wanted proper school shoes.

"The importance of having young children properly fitted [just] isn’t as appreciated as it used to be.”

The shop - which trades from 9.30am until 5pm seven days a week barring Sundays - stocks shoes from both small businesses and large brands like Ricosta and Geox.

It also sells various children’s clothing as well as toys and books from its unit next to Burgate Books and JD Wetherspoon.

Mrs Crawley admits she is unsure on the shop’s exact closing date.

She added: "I don’t know exactly when our last day will be but it will be within the next couple of weeks.

"Thank you to all our customers who have supported us over the years and to all the staff, past and present, who have worked tirelessly to provide an exceptional service."

The announcement was also greeted with disappointment by many of the shop's most devoted customers.

One person said: "This really is so incredibly sad.

"Both of my children had their first shoes from you and we have never been anywhere else since. You will be so incredibly missed."

Another added: "So sorry to see this - one of the few special places that really valued a proper fitting service of quality shoes to individual children's feet."

Meanwhile, a third commented: "Oh this is so sad. We come from Hythe two or three times a year to get our kids shoes.

"We came a few weeks ago but will come again for a final time. Another gem lost."

Last year, the business was nominated for Independent Footwear Retailer of the Year at the Drapers Footwear Awards.