YORK headquartered shoe retailer Pavers has opened a new flagship store in the city after more than 30 years as the firm’s managing director outlines his belief in the high street.

The family run business, which operates from his head office and warehouse in Poppleton, has relocated its York store from Piccadilly to Coppergate.

The move has created four new jobs, and increased the square footage of retail space by more than 50 per cent.

Pavers had operated from its Piccadilly store for 30 years, with the shop being only the second ever high street store to be opened by the brand.

Three decades on and Pavers now has around 175 stores.

Speaking at the opening of the Coppergate shop yesterday, Stuart Paver, managing director of the firm, said: “This is a prime position in York, it’s very visible to both tourists and residents.

“Being a York company we wanted very much to have a more prominent flagship store in the city.

“I still believe in the high street. We still believe people don’t want to spend all their time at home shopping online and waiting for parcels.

“Shoppers want to come in and interact with well trained staff, especially in the footwear sector where it is important to ensure the right fit.

“Although we are expanding our internet and television retail channels we are still growing the high street market quicker than both of them.

“We are very pleased to have a larger presence here in York and believe the city has a long future as a retail destination.”

Also cutting the ribbon on the new store was Cllr Ian Gillies, City of York Council leader, while the business also welcomed support from York Chocolate Story which created a ruby coloured pair of chocolate shoes for the occasion.

Earlier this month Pavers grew its empire after completing its second acquisition this year when it announced a deal to buy Herring Shoes – a premium online shoe retailer based in Devon.

Pavers became the legal owner of Herring Shoes, taking on the firm’s 12 staff, and single high street retail outlet in Kingsbridge, Devon.

The move brought Pavers total staff numbers to around 1,750.

The deal followed the takeover of Jones the Bootmaker in February.