29 October 2026International edition
Vol. I · No.
29 October 2026
AI IN FASHION
DAILY
The daily briefing on AI in the fashion business
Where fashion meets artificial intelligence.
Footwear

Pavers

United Kingdom

Pavers is a family owned British footwear retailer founded in 1971 by Catherine Paver and headquartered in York. It sells comfortable footwear through more than 100 stores in the UK and Ireland and online.

Facts
Founded1971
FounderCatherine Paver
HeadquartersYork, England
OwnershipFamily owned
StoresMore than 100
Websitepavers.co.uk
Segment
Mid-market
Categories
FootwearAccessories
Sales channels
Own storesE-commerce

What is Pavers?

Pavers is a British shoe retailer founded in 1971 by Catherine (Cathy) Paver and headquartered in York. It remains a family owned business, with her son Stuart Paver serving as managing director.

Products and positioning

Pavers specialises in footwear for men and women with a strong emphasis on comfort, alongside related accessories. Its offer is aimed at mainstream customers who prioritise fit and wearability, and the brand has promoted its own comfort trainer lines with a focus on Yorkshire heritage.

  • Comfort focused footwear
  • Men's and women's shoes
  • Own label ranges

Distribution

Pavers operates more than 100 stores, including high street, shopping centre and outlet locations in the United Kingdom and Ireland. It also trades online through dedicated websites for the UK, Ireland and the United States.

Why it matters

Pavers is one of the larger independent, family run footwear retailers in Britain. Its growth from a single founder's business into a national chain, while remaining in family hands, shows how a clear focus on comfort and a loyal customer base can sustain a specialist shoe retailer in a market dominated by larger groups.

Frequently asked questions

Who founded Pavers?

Pavers was founded in 1971 by Catherine (Cathy) Paver.

Where is Pavers based?

Pavers is headquartered in York, England.

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