British Ugg boots importer closes doors

LONDON, Jan. 10 (UPI) -- The leading British importer of the fashionable Australian-made Ugg boots has closed its doors, signaling possible supply problems, observers said.

The importer, Kate Kuba, has gone into administration (bankruptcy) and has closed all of its nine London stores, with its Web site saying it is "currently down for maintenance," The Daily Telegraph reported Saturday.

A shortage of Ugg boots would affect everyday British shoppers as well as celebrities, who have shown a special fondness for the fur-lined footwear. The boots are hugely popular with women, including such female celebrities such as model Kate Moss and actress Sarah Jessica Parker. They also have high-profile male fans such as actor Leonardo DiCaprio and Rolling Stones guitarist Ron Wood, the newspaper said.

Retail analysts said Kate Kuba has been named best women's footwear retailer four times by the fashion industry magazine Drapers. It was established by Cypriot Costas Constantinou in 1993.

The Telegraph said nobody from Ugg was available for comment.