However, the shoe business will remain a high profile presence in High St under its new owner, Ohoka’s Rebecca Barker, who will take over on May 1.
Rebecca will retain Rangiora Shoe Lines staff Linda MacDonald and Debby Heard.
Although Jill, who lives in Ashley, and Sandra, who lives in Waikuku, have loved working together in the business, they both feel the time is right for a change.
Their last day behind the counter will be Thursday, April 30.
‘We have loved seeing our small town, Rangiora, evolve over time, and love the interaction with all of our customers,’’ Sandra says.
‘‘A lot of our customers have become friends over time and it has been amazing seeing their own families grow up over the years.’’
They both have a passion for footwear and bought the business when the original owner was nearing retirement.
‘‘We approached him and the deal was sealed,’’ Jill said.
Until then, Jill had been working as a hairdresser and Sandra had a banking background.
Many changes have occurred during the 35 years they have been in business together.
‘‘There are a lot more chain stores, and not so many independents left,’’ Jill says. ‘‘Rangiora’s High St has gone full circle in our time. Originally it was two-way traffic and parallel parking. This was changed to one-way traffic and angle parking, and now it has returned to how it originally was.’’
Although the sisters both love shoes, they have different tastes in the styles they prefer.
Jill loves the classic court styles with a reasonable-height heel, while Sandra loves the European styles.
The popular retailers have been strong supporters of the North Canterbury community over the years and are pleased the new owner is ‘‘like us and has lived in North Canterbury most of her life’’.
Jill and Sandra want to thank all their customers for their support and say they are excited to know that the business is left in the capable hands of Rebecca.
