Anand Shoes Celebrates Three Decades in Market Harborough

A much-loved Market Harborough shop is celebrating 30 years in the town with a special event for customers today.

Anand Shoes on the High Street was opened by Kailash Chavda in 1996 and is now run by Kailash with his son Rajan.

Kailash named the business after his father, Anand, who was a shoemaker in Zanzibar. Opening the shop in Market Harborough was his way of honouring his father’s memory.

L-R Rajan, ‘Arthur’ and Kailash Chavda

Over the years, Anand Shoes has become known for its quality footwear and traditional services, including shoe repairs, key cutting, engraving, stitching and leather repairs.

The moving cobbler “Arthur” in the shop window has also become something of a local landmark.

The premises had previously been home to a much-loved teddy bear shop and the Chavda family decided to continue selling Steiff teddy bears alongside the shoe business – and 30 years later, the bears remain popular with customers.

Kailash spoke to HFM’s Nick Shaw about the milestone and has thanked customers for their support over the years:

Rajan and Kailash Chavda

The family-run business is marking its 30th anniversary with fizz and nibbles for customers this afternoon.

Rajan spoke to HFM about the anniversary and working with his Dad: