Melbourne players foot bill for company collapse

Victorian-headquartered footwear brand Windsor Smith is among a group of local suppliers to be affected by the collapse of New Zealand company Shoe Tree.

The company was placed into liquidation last month with 61 registered creditors owed in excess of $1 million. Liquidators Gareth Russel Hoole and Kevin David Pitfield, whose firm Staples Rodway is handling the collapse, said Shoe Tree had experienced cash flow difficulties for a "considerable period" prior to their appointment.

The company operated a number of upmarket footwear stores in New Zealand under the 'Sole' retail banner.

Windsor Smith declined to comment on the amount of funds it was owed or its supplier arrangements with Sole. Melbourne-based companies Chicago Boot Co and Galani Brazilian Footwear were also listed as creditors in the liquidator's first report.