The company began life on a street barrow in 1863 when John Upson started to sell his shoes on Woolwich Town Market.

In December 1997 the Dolcis business was bought by the Alexon Group and venture capitalist, Electra Fleming, and relocated to Luton.

Kinnaird unveiled an ambitious plan to refurbish the chain's stores, boost the fashionability of its products and update the brand.

On 21 January 2008 the retailer fell into administration, partially as a result of the slowdown in spending due to the onset of the credit crunch, which led to a recession.

On 13 February 2008 administrators KPMG[4] announced that the brand name Dolcis and 24 of the company's 185 shops had been bought by Stylo Group of Bradford.