23/09/2025
Well it's finally time to say goodbye😘
David Spruce closed its doors for the final time on Wednesday 17th September 2025. The same week we opened on Union Arcade - 15 years ago.
We know this will be devastating for a lot of people and we are sorry to let you down but we really have tried our hardest and explored every options possibly. We hope you can understand this has been the hardest decision we have ever had to make. Closing a business that has been your DNA for 45 years, is like a bereavement. It will continue to be emotion and difficult for months to come for myself and my amazing loyal staff member, one that has clocked up 39 years. We thank all our partners over the years, Suppliers, Accountants, Landlords, customers and of course family - who often bear the brunt of the sleepless nights.
We personally are mentally and physically drained and have been forced to make the right decision for ourselves, our health and our sanity.
Thank you Bury and surrounding areas to allow us to look after your feet for 45 years.
Over the years we have sold in excess of 1000's pairs of shoes. Measured millions of little feet. Employed over 500 staff over the last 45 years.
I have been proud to be the 2nd generation of my what my parents started back in 1980. Between my parents 21 years stint and my 24 we've seen it all. From several recessions, to the Millgate make over, and more latterly the dreaded COVID.
In a nutshell, we are another COVID casualty. Clarks and Start-rite rightly did tutorials online to measure children's feet, and of course then you didn't return back to the fitted shoe shop like you once did. The worst of it, was the online purchases that accelerated beyond recognition. Why come to a rainy or snowy Bury when you can sit at home at buy something on line!
All that aside we still have an amazing loyal customer base, albeit a shrinking one. To all our amazing customers and supporters from the bottom of our hearts - we thank you. Without you we would'nt have stood the test of time until 2025.
To every person who has popped in to wish us well, dropped in a card, chocolates, flowers and posted a positive comment on our socials and given us a hug, bless you. You have got my amazing staff and myself through the last two and half weeks.
Thank you everyone, friends, family and staff who has also helped us during the last couple of weeks with closing the store down you know how much we appreciated your help and support.
Bury Town Center has to be one of the most vibrant within a 30 miles radius, please support the businesses that do remain. Use them or lose them, it's that simple! I do foresee more closures before the tide starts to turn.
I do want to thank the Millgate team led by Angela and Graham personally. The support we have received from them for the last 5 years in particular has been noted. Sadly the numbers still don't stack up with the Utility bills, Business Rates, NI and so on and so forth.
Goodbye, au revoir, ciao and Thank you the pleasure has been ours x
The Rhodes Family and The Spruce Family x
Coleen, Paul, William
Ken and Marie-Anne
