GG.H Warner Footwear secures distribution for Grendene brands ...

SEPTEMBER 2012 

www.footweartoday.co.uk 

Inside this issue: Editor’s Choice, Best of Shows Ladies’ Footwear – Footwear Focus on Earth Spirit 

Best Sellers – Retailer of the Month, North Shoes – Moda Review – Pure Review

FROM THE EDITOR 

Footwear Industry Awards 

If you attended the Footwear Industry Awards event last 

February, I’m sure you’ll agree with me that it was an exciting 

evening! The 2013 event planned for Sunday 17th February 

aims to build on the success of the first Footwear Industry 

Awards, an event run by the industry for the industry. 

With the four cornerstones of the Footwear sector working in 

unison, the BFA, representing the footwear brands, IFRA 

representing the independent retailer, SSF representing Shoe 

Fitting and the Trade Press providing media coverage, the event 

is likely to be well-attended and will see all the trade associations 

working together as one to reward their peers. 

The new venue will be the National Motorcycle Museum, close 

to Birmingham NEC, and will take place in the Imperial Suite, 

with a drinks reception held in the adjoining Trafalgar Suite. 

A choice of two 4* hotels is offered to those attending the event, 

both at preferential rates. 

The nominations are opening this month and there are 25 

awards to be won, so get cracking, fill in the online form and 

"nominate" your favourite retailer or supplier/brand . You can 

even nominate your own company! 

In this edition, we report back on some of the amazing trade 

shows, including Pure London and Moda that we visited during 

the summer to give you an idea of what shoemakers are hoping 

will be flying off your shelves once the January sales are out of 

the way. Check out our Best of Shows: Ladies Footwear section 

on pages 36-38. 

We also bring you news of upcoming shows including GDS 

Dusseldorf and the Kensington Shoe Event. If you missed the 

major shoe shows, the Kensington Shoe Event, to be held at the 

Westbury Hotel, Mayfair, from 23rd – 25th September, is a treat 

not to be missed. On display you will find a variety of brands 

offering an exciting cross section of Europe’s best factories and 

designers. The timing of the Event, just after the major European 

shows allows retailers to have a clear mind on what to buy in the 

relaxed and informal environment. 

Entry to the show is free of charge, and visitors can relax on 

sumptuous sofas and enjoy the comfort of a five-star hotel, with 

refreshments (tea, coffee and pastries) offered throughout the 

day, free of charge. I look forward to meeting up with you there! 

Best regards, 

Cheryl 

Cheryl Taylor, 

Editor, Footwear Today 

Tel: 01622 862962 

Email: ctaylor@datateam.co.uk 

Footwear Friends are the chosen charity of The Footwear Industry Awards 2012 

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26 

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36 

40 

42 

44 

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48 

NEWS 

FOOTWEAR FOCUS 

MODA REVIEW 

PURE REVIEW 

COMPANY PROFILE (LOAKE) 

FASHION TRENDS 

COMPANY PROFILE (EUROSTOP) 

KENSINGTON SHOW PREVIEW 

EDITOR’S CHOICE (LADIES BEST OF SHOWS) 

BEST SELLERS 

RETAILER OF THE MONTH 

MARY PORTAS REPORT 

GDS REVIEW 

RETAIL TECHNOLOGY 

KENSINGTON SUUPLEMENT 

FRONT COVER: ARA 

For six decades ara has been renowned for 

a wide variety of shoe fashions of the 

highest quality, combining attractive design 

with perfect fit 

For further information contact HB Shoes 

ara@hbshoes.co.uk 

00 44 1162 605043 

EDITOR Cheryl Taylor: ctaylor@datateam.co.uk 

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Adam Bernstein 

FEATURE WRITERS: 

Becci Knowles 

Henry Harington 

Dawn Smith 

Vicky Kember 

Joe Maggio 

Emma Cooke 

JOURNAL MANAGER 

Sue Wiseman: 01622 699185 swiseman@datateam.co.uk 

DESIGNER Steve Parks 

ADMINISTRATION Ellie Inchmore 

PUBLISHING DIRECTOR Paul Ryder: pryder@datateam.co.uk 

CONTENTS 

Media Partner of the 

STAG Buying Group 

Published by: Datateam Business Media Ltd, London Road, Maidstone, 

Kent ME16 8LY. 

Tel: 01622 687031 Fax: 01622 757646 

email: footwear@datateam.co.uk website: www.datateam.co.uk 

ISSN 1475 8601 

The Publishers cannot accept responsibility for any discrepancies either in copy or between 

products and/or services listed. Nor can they be responsible for illustrations and/or copy for 

products which lead to infringement of copyright. 

IFRA, BFA and Society of Shoe Fitters all support 

Footwear Today as a valuable forum for the footwear 

industry, helping to promote trade and keeping 

retailers informed about the latest products and 

developments. 

SEPTEMBER 2012 


Inside this issue: Editor’s Choice, Best of Shows Ladies’ Footwear – Footwear Focus on Earth Spirit 

Best Sellers – Retailer of the Month, North Shoes – Moda Review – Pure Review 

SEPTEMBER 2012 • FOOTWEAR TODAY • 3

NEWS 

The Footwear Industry 

Awards are back, 

with a NEW venue! 

Organised by Datateam Business Media, in 

association with BFA, IFRA, Society of Shoe 

Fitters and Footwear Today magazine, the 

Footwear Industry Awards will be held on the first 

night of the Moda Footwear Show, Sunday 17th 

February 2013 at the National Motorcycle Museum. 

Following the success of last year, which was a sell 

out event, the awards will take place in this new 

venue to avoid having to turn anyone away. 

The Awards seek to recognise those in the 

industry who display innovation and forward 

thinking, alongside traditional sales and business 

acumen. The inaugural event in 2012 received 

critical acclaim, with the British Footwear 

Association (BFA), Independent Footwear Retailers 

Association (IFRA), Society of Shoe Fitters and 

Footwear Today, working successfully together to 

host a ‘true’ industry award – one which was not 

exclusive, but inclusive: uniting the industry. 

Commenting on the event, Laura West of the 

Society of Shoe Fitters said: "The SSF were 

delighted to be involved in the 2012 Footwear 

Awards and look forward to February 2013. 

It's a wonderful opportunity for the finest people 

in the industry to unite and acknowledge the 

hard work and dedication of the people and 

brands nominated. 

Brand Awards 

• Men's Footwear Brand of the Year 

• Ladies Footwear Brand of the year 

• Children's Footwear Brand of the Year 

• Sports Footwear Brand of the year 

• Outdoor Footwear Brand of the Year 

• Comfort/Wellness Footwear Brand of the Year 

• Fashion Footwear Brand of the Year 

• Private Label of the Year 

• Shoe Care & Accessories Brand of the Year 

• Footwear Brand of the Year 

4 • FOOTWEAR TODAY • SEPTEMBER 2012 

“Coinciding the event with Moda brings 

everyone closer together, making it an 

unmissable, affordable and enjoyable evening." 

Show Director, Paul Ryder said: "After the 

great success of the 2012 FIA awards and with 

the backing of the entire industry, we are 

looking forward to an even bigger and better 

event for 2013." 

Acting on feedback obtained directly from 

attendees, the 2013 event will build on the 

success of the first awards - continuing to offer 

the industry an ethical awards, with no catches. 

The 2013 event will see 

• New Venue: The National Motorcycle Museum 

• Imperial Suite, with Drinks Reception held in 

adjoining Trafalgar Suite 

• Four Course meal - The National Motorcycle 

Museum is widely known to offer 1st class food 

• Hotel accommodation at two 4* hotels with 

preferential rates which can be booked via 

our website 

• New and Revised Categories 

Nominations and Voting 

Nominations are now open and again, we will 

ask members of the footwear trade to firstly 

"nominate" a retailer or supplier/brand for 

2013 Award Categories 

Retailer Awards 

• Independent Men's Footwear Retailer of the Year 

• Independent Ladies Footwear Retailer of the Year 

• Independent Children's Footwear Retailer of the Year 

• Independent Sports Footwear Retailer of the Year 

• Independent Outdoor Footwear Retailer of the Year 

• New Independent Footwear Retailer of the Year 

• Multiple Retailer of the Year 

• E-tailer of the Year 

• Independent Family Footwear Retailer of the Year 

an award (you will be able to nominate someone 

else, or your own company). 

ALL nominations will then be placed online, 

with members of the industry then choosing their 

winner in each category - with voting also 

conducted online (one vote per IP address). 

Again, there will be no judging panel: every 

winner will know the industry has chosen them - 

a true reflection of industry consensus, with no 

corporate or sponsor intervention. 

Visit www.footwearindustryawards.com 

to nominate TODAY! 

Many companies will use the event as the 

perfect excuse to reward their teams for their 

hard work, entertain their key clients and 

network with their industry colleagues, so why 

not take the opportunity to do the same? 

Tables of ten can be secured at a cost of £900 

+VAT and individual places cost just £90 +VAT 

per seat booked. There will be lots more surprises 

on the night, so to register your interest in 

attending, please email gmoore@datateam.co.uk 

with your requirements or call 0773 304 2104 

For sponsorship opportunities 

please contact Sue Wiseman on 01622 699185 

Industry Awards 

• 'The Platinum Shoe' Award 

(Formerly known as best Footwear Representative) 

• Student Shoe Fitter of the Year 

• Leader in Customer Service 

• Best Use of Technology 

• Personality of the Year 

• Footwear Designer of the Year 

www.footweartoday.co.uk

NEWS 

Could you benefit from 

National Shoe Fitting Week? 

Jan Parry 

President 


The Society of Shoe Fitters is 

calling for new members. It is 

offering experienced shop staff 

that have been fitting shoes for 

more than five years the chance 

to gain recognition of their 

expertise, with the Society’s new 

£50 Membership Application. 

The Society of Shoe Fitters is 

busy planning National Shoe 

Fitting Week in order to help its 

retail and associate members. 

The President - Jan Parry of 

Parry’s Footwear and Vice 

President Ellie Dickins of Ellie 

Dickins Shoes, are keen for the 

Society to do what it can for 

members in these difficult times 

primarily to encourage the 

public to visit shops and enjoy a 

personal service. 

“It is vital we continue to increase our members and form a stronger 

network” said Ellie. “Our Society courses are brilliant for those wanting and 

needing to learn about feet and footwear, but there is also a large number 

of shops with good staff who are not members but ought to be, as they are 

missing the many benefits of membership. All of my staff qualified and it 

helps our business no end”. 

For shop staff that have been busily fitting shoes for more than five 

years and have no formal recognition of their expertise, the Society’s new 

Membership Application at only £50 is ideal. It will hopefully encourage 

experienced shop assistants to become qualified shoe fitters as the number 

of enquiries from the public continues to grow - particularly when National 

Shoe Fitting Week takes off. You still have to qualify to ensure standards 

are maintained, but if you or your staff are capable shoe fitters, then why 

not complete the application, it can only benefit self-esteem and increase 

shop awareness. 

Competition in shoe sales has never been stronger and the public are 

ignorant about the damage that ill-fitting footwear can do to their entire 

physiology. ”It is vital for retailers and suppliers to keep face-to-face sales 

going” says Jan. “If shops close there is a limit to where manufacturers 

can market their goods, and not everyone wants to buy online - in fact 

footwear should be treated like “optical glasses” and always fitted 

professionally”. 

Every time a shop door shuts another door does not automatically open, 

which narrows the market considerably forcing people to buy unwisely. 

With some great brands as Associate Members of the Society, good retail 

members and increased public enquiries, the SSF has been busier than ever 

networking them together and is hoping National Shoe Fitting Week will 

help highlight the USP of expertise out there. 

Contact: Laura West F.S.S.F., Secretary, 

The Society of Shoe Fitters, 

email: secretary@shoefitters-uk.org 

www.shoefitters.org.uk, www.shoefitters-uk.org 

World's First 

Certified Biodegradable 

Shoe Takes First Step 

into Industry Spotlight 

Brazilian Line Sapatoterapia 

Debuts Bio SuperComfort Shoe 

at FN Platform in Vegas. 

Last month Brazilian shoe manufacturer Sapatoterapia premiered the 

world's first certified Biodegradable shoe, the Bio SuperComfort, at the 

American shoe event held at MAGIC from August 21-23, 2012 at the Las 

Vegas National Convention Centre. 

Sapatoterapia was part of the increased international presence at the 

show, which includes other brands from Italy, Spain, Mexico, Portugal, 

Japan, and Great Britain. With expansion across all footwear categories, 

this year's event will feature over 1600 brands. 

The Bio SuperComfort is the latest addition to the award-winning brand. 

Decomposing in the environment much faster than a traditional shoe, the 

shoe is made entirely of eco-friendly raw material, with special features 

including: 

• Lining made of natural, chrome-free leather and bamboo fibre fabric 

• Ergonomic vulcanized soles made with natural rubber 

• Natural cotton laces 

The brand also launched the Spring/Summer 2013 collection at FN 

Platform and features their SEDNA line, which has the unique airfloat 

system allowing air circulation inside the shoe. 

Recognised for their comfort and sophistication, the brand recently 

received the prestigious 2012 Greenbest Award in the Fashion category 

through Greenvana Brazil, the highest honour achieved for sustainable 

efforts. The company has recently partnered with New Frontier Fashion, 

an online tradeshow featuring Brazilian manufacturers. 

About Sapatoterapia 

Sapatoterapia was founded in 1994 with the goal of developing 

comfortable and sophisticated shoes, and has evolved into a successful 

Brazilian brand sold in nearly 60 countries due to its innovation and 

commitment to sustainable practices. For additional information on the 

company, please visit www.sapatoterapia.com.br. 

About New Frontier Fashion 

Bringing the best of Brazilian footwear and accessories to the global 

marketplace, New Frontier Fashion is a web-based B2B fashion platform 

featuring footwear, handbags, and jewelry. Selected brands exhibit their 

collections online, giving retailers access to preview and place orders. 

For more information please visit www.newfrontierfashion.com.br. 


NEWS 

Creative Director, Artist 

Christopher Ciccone Launches 

“The Ciccone Collection” 

The namesake collection 

will make its debut at 

September’s London Fashion week 

THESE BOOTS WERE MADE FOR WALKING AND THAT’S JUST WHAT 

THEY’LL DO is the perfect lyric to describe THE CICCONE COLLECTION. 

Bringing his creative flair usually reserved for the more classic arts, 

painting, photography, art direction as well as interior and furniture design, 

Christopher Ciccone is now making his foray into footwear design. Melding 

breakout materials with traditional styles for men, women and children, 

Ciccone has vowed to “think outside the shoe box.” Sure to make a splash 

at New York, London and Paris Fashion Weeks in the fall, Ciccone’s bespoke 

collection can brave the rain, but is certainly not limited to foul weather. 

Combining leather, rubber and canvas for the fashionable yet functional 

footwear, Ciccone’s vision is a welcome reprieve to the often un-wearable 

designs of late. 

Ciccone was naturally curious when approached by Czechoslovakian 

shoe company Novesta nearly a year ago, and upon his return to LA and 

immersed in a Georgia O’Keefe biography, the inspiration started to come. 

Once Ciccone spotted a pair of old and long forgotten wingtips, the initial 

ideas for a cohesive classic-looking collection took root. He began combing 

through the contents of his closet and analyzing what he liked and disliked 

about his personal shoe collection, leading Ciccone to consider a marriage 

of more traditional looks with very modern materials. Along the way, he 

reflected often on his favorite images of classic Hollywood and Italian 

movie stars, divas of the past, which swirled together with O’Keefe’s 

imagery. The result is a direct reflection of his journey; names like “Sofia,” 

“Eva” and “Brigitte” pepper the collection, its logo animal antlers, a distinct 

moment in the cycle of life, fresh and new, reinventing themselves and 

symbolic of rebirth. The product itself is groundbreaking in its design – 

Ciccone and Novesta developed over many months an outstanding 

scrollwork layering process, which gives a sharp 3-dimensional effect on 

the boots and features bold colors, graphic patterns and wearable designs. 

Ciccone himself is no stranger to reinvention. Perhaps best known for his 

vision and collaborations with his sister, the one and only Madonna 

(Ciccone served as Creative Director on numerous tours – including Blond 

Ambition and the Girlie Show as well as multiple music videos), he is firmly 

ensconced in the worlds of art and design. As an author and biographer, 

Ciccone wrote “Life With My Sister Madonna,” which remained on top of 

the New York Times Bestseller list for months. His newest venture, he says, 

is merely a creative extension of his work. “It’s not so different from 

designing a home, a stage or a piece of furniture,” he says. “People have to 

be able to live in them.” And live in them they will as shoes are just the 

opening salvo; Ciccone will expand the line into a global lifestyle brand with 

its first flagship store opening in early winter. 

Ciccone will be hosting bespoke installations in London, Paris, Prague, 

Toronto, New York, Miami and Los Angeles to launch the brand. 

For more information on THE CICCONE COLLECTION please log onto 

www.thecicconecollection.com 


Free Fashion Law Seminar 

On 10 October Fox Williams LLP, Solicitors will be holding its annual 

Fashion law seminar, which is free of charge. The seminar will be held at 

Ten Dominion Street, London EC2M 2EE. Registration will be from 6.00 pm 

with the talks starting at 6.30 pm and lasting for one hour followed by 

drinks and canapés. The full line up of topics and speakers are: "Investing in 

Brand Businesses" For the investee business - what are the potential 

benefits apart from the cash? What is the investment process? And what 

are the pitfalls, and how to avoid them. (Speaker is Tom Rowley who is a 

corporate law senior associate at Fox Williams). 

"What's the sweet spot to selling online?" The huge growth in popularity 

of social media has created new opportunities to engage with customers, 

develop sales, and add value to brands. However, it has also created new 

challenges and legal liabilities. What are the legal risks? And what are the 

best practices to manage these risks and avoid brand damage? (Speaker is 

Nigel Miller who is an ecommerce law partner at Fox Williams). 

"Fashion brands and why Vivienne Westwood could play for Manchester 

United." The importance of recognising the contradictory nature of brands - 

both as financial instruments and creative, consumer conduits and the 

particular challenges facing fashion brands. (Speaker is Gareth Coombs, 

brand consultancy director of the Cambridge Strategy Centre). 

"Exiting key employees". The do's and don’ts to minimise payments and 

damage to your brand. (Speaker is Joanna Chatterton who is an 

employment law partner at Fox Williams).The talks will be followed by a 

Q&A session. Following this there will be wine and canapés where those 

attending will have an opportunity to network and speak informally with 

the speakers. There is no charge for attending the seminar. 

Stephen L Sidkin, Partner , Fox Williams LLP, Solicitors, is a regular 

contributor to Footwear Today Magazine. Tel.:+44 (0) 20 7614 2505 

GG.H Warner Footwear secures 

distribution for Grendene brands 

The exclusive UK and Ireland distribution rights for Ipanema, Rider and 

Grendha have been appointed to G.H Warner Footwear Ltd, effective for the 

Spring Summer 2013 season. The three brands, produced by Brazil’s largest 

producer of footwear, Grendene, have enjoyed success since their launch to 

the UK market. The premium summer footwear ranges are manufactured 

in Brazil using 100% recyclable, mould-injected PVC, creating the most 

comfortable and sustainable flip flops and sandals on the UK market. 

The addition of the Grendene brands to the to the G.H Warner portfolio is 

reflective of the company’s 40 year history and experience of delivering 

branded footwear to the UK’s multiple and independent footwear retailers. 

“The Ipanema, Rider and Grendha brands are a welcome addition to G.H 

Warner. We will continue offering UK retailers and customers excellent 

pricing, product availability and marketing initiatives for the world’s most 

comfortable flip flops and sandals. With all eyes on Brazil over the next 

four years, this is the ideal time to invest in these three brands” said 

Martin Warner, Managing Director, G.H Warner. 

Ian Rea, who has managed the sales of the three brands since their UK 

launch has joined G.H Warner as brand sales manager. Rea has appointed a 

sales manager, Robyn Poynter, to manage the northern regions of the UK. 

Mason Young, the recently appointed marketing & PR manager will 

manage marketing activity across the three brands for the release of the 

summer 2013 collection. 


NEWS 

Chatham backs 

future Olympic 

eventing hopeful 

Leading casual and outdoor footwear and clothing brand Chatham has 

agreed a sponsorship deal with eventing champion and future Olympic 

hopeful, Emma Hyslop. 

Impressed with the comfort and style of Chatham’s footwear and how 

practical the clothing is, event rider Emma has chosen Chatham as her 

preferred brand, to train in and wear when she’s out and about. 

Emma is one of Team GB’s future Olympic hopefuls, already training hard 

for Rio. She is part of a small group of championship eventers in the 

Leicestershire region, competing nationally and internationally, and 

currently eventing a string of 10 horses from four year olds to four star level. 

Emma says, “I am delighted to be working with Chatham as I have been a 

fan of the brand for years. Their clothing and footwear is stylishly designed 

with a modern look, and more importantly they last. The deck shoes mould 

to your feet like a pair of slippers, and stay looking great for ages.” 

Chatham’s Managing Director, Philip Marsh adds, “We are proud to have 

such a successful young champion representing our brand. As a future 

Olympic hopeful, everyone here is rooting for Emma as she sets her sights 

firmly on Rio for 2016.” 

All Chatham products are available from the website 

www.chatham-marine.co.uk 

or from John Lewis and independent stores nationwide. 

Keep checking the Chatham website for updates on Emma’s progress. 


Calling all Footwear 

Entrepreneurs 

Footwear Friends, the footwear industry charity, has announced the sixth 

year of its prestigious Annual Awards aimed at recognising and helping 

develop British Design and Entrepreneurial talent. 

The Awards include substantial cash prizes and probably more 

importantly a 12-month mentoring programme by senior individuals in the 

footwear industry. 

Entry is open to people in the following categories who are determined 

to build a footwear career in the UK. 

• A graduate of a footwear college with probably 3-4 years experience in 

the industry 

• An individual who wants to create their own brand or company and/or 

play a larger role in the footwear industry 

• A budding entrepreneur prepared to face a “Dragon’s Den” interview to 

asses their ability to develop their own business 

The closing date is: September 21, 2012. 

Past winners include Joanne Stoker, Kat Maconie, Victoria Spruce, 

Thomas Murphy, Northern Cobbler, Beyond Skin and CocoRose – all of 

whom have gone on to great things! 

Full details on the Awards and how to apply can be found at: 

www.annual-awards.org or www.footwearfriends.org.uk 

BREAD & BUTTER Moves 

Berlin stays the home base of BREAD & BUTTER – tradeshow for selected 

brands. With its return in July 2009, BREAD & BUTTER has permanently 

strengthened Berlin as a fashion location. Since then, the Fashion Week 

Berlin has strongly gained relevance in the competition with the 

international fashion capitals such as Paris, Milan and New York. Berlin's 

dynamics are not comparable to those of any other city. Berlin as a fashion 

location is clearly on a tear, is clearly way out in front. As a result, the 

professional visitor cannot manage Berlin in the course of three days 

anymore. "As the international leading tradeshow, we have a responsibility 

towards the industry and towards Berlin", says president Karl-Heinz Müller. 

"Therefore, it is our duty to counteract this situation by offering a solution." 


Southern UK David Palmer 07767 201461 

Central UK Stephen Smith 01933 679001 

Northern UK and Ireland David Bailey 07831 463687 

GDS 5th-7th September 

Retail Systems 

Designed by Retailers 

Established in 1990, Eurostop specialise in 

Retail Systems for Fashion, Footwear and 

Sportswear retailers in the UK and overseas 

Providing a complete and integrated solution 

including Head Office Stock Control, EPOS 

systems, Business Intelligence and 

customised Webshops. 

To find out how we can 

help your business contact 

Eurostop Ltd by email: 

sales@eurostop.co.uk 

or on 020 8991 2700 

www.eurostop.co.uk 

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FOOTWEAR FOCUS ROAD TEST 

Emma Cooke, discovers that her Earth Spirit Reno 

sandals are blessed with brains, as well as beauty! 

Before I start my review of the Earth Spirit 

shoes I recently received, I need to issue a 

warning first: these shoes will bring you 

unprecedented amounts of compliments 

when worn. This may not sound like something to 

be wary of, but unfortunately being raised in 

England seems to have rendered me completely 

unable to take a compliment. 

I either go bright red, start giggling nervously, 

or, most embarrassing of all, start stuttering, ‘yes, 

yes, they are lovely shoes, but look! Look at the 

terrible condition of my feet! I’m so sorry that my 

pretty shoes have drawn your eyes to my feet, 

and you have now glimpsed my un-manicured 

toes!’ So really, the compliments are more bother 

than they’re worth. 

Now you are sufficiently warned, let me 

continue. I was recently sent the Earth Spirit Reno 

sandals to road test. Between you and me, when 

Earth Spirit shoes were first mentioned, all I could 

think was, ‘Oh dear. Hippie shoes. Like what mum 

used to wear back in the seventies,’ (I’ve seen the 

pictures mum, you can’t deny you went through 

that phase). But after having a look at the 

catalogue, I started to feel the first stirrings of 

excitement. These were…pretty! Summery! Dare I 

say…stylish! 

So upon arrival I unwrapped the sandals with a 

fair amount of glee. And by glee, I mean tore open 

like a child at Christmas – it was carnage, there 

was duct tape and ‘earth-friendly’ packaging 

everywhere. After dismantling the package, and 

breaking a nail in the process (I hope the 

Footwear Today editor appreciates the casualties 

sustained in the grueling reviewing process) my 

new shoes were ready to wear. 


Too bad the English weather foiled my plans. 

Rain, rain and more rain. Even when I escaped to 

Germany, determined to wear my sandals there, 

the bad weather followed me! Luckily, the sandals 

were comfortable enough to wear around the 

house as slippers, but oh how I yearned for some 

sunshine to properly show them off! Until, at last, 

a miracle happened – a glorious bout of sunshine 

just as May was ending. 

I always find it funny how whenever the UK 

gets a little good weather, we think we’re the new 

Caribbean of Europe. Newspapers were suddenly 

informing us that we were not only hot, but hotter 

than the rest of Europe! Hotter than Egypt! Hotter 

than Australia! It seems we conveniently forgot 

that Australia is currently having its winter… 

So, reveling in the tropical British sunshine (a 

paradox if ever I heard one), I finally stepped out 

in my Earth Spirit sandals. They were just made 

for the sunshine. While the shade is called 

‘Platinum’, the colour of these is definitely more 

of a beautiful pale gold that is not only a perfect 

summer colour, but the perfect compliment to the 

gorgeous turquoise stones used in the beaded 

design. Whether we were on a par with the 

Caribbean or not, in these, I felt like I was treading 

on white sandy beaches. 

At this point I should probably mention the 

comfort of the shoes, as they were designed for 

comfort, with an, ‘over-padded anatomic arch and 

impact-absorbing cushioning’. However, whenever 

I start to reflect the comfort of these sandals, I 

will inevitably become distracted by just how 

pretty they are. Like a magpie, or a small toddler, 

I’ll end up wiggling my legs and watching how the 

beading glints in the sunlight. 

So unfortunately I don’t really have anything 

profound to say on the sandals’ orthopedic 

technology, other than that they are comfortable! 

I can say this though: anyone who has 

previously assumed orthopedic footwear could 

not and would not be attractive, think again! I’ll 

admit, I have, on occasion, gloated to friends 

about being able to road test shoes, only to say, 

‘ah yes, and Footwear Today really cares about 

foot health too, so most of the shoes I’ve been 

sent are orthopedic!’, and have my previously 

agog friends lose interest, assuming comfortable 

shoes could never be nice-looking shoes. 

So after waltzing about in these to multiple 

compliments from said friends about my 

‘beautiful new sandals’ (and after recovering 

from the aforementioned reactions this brought 

on), it was with some pleasure that I announced 

that my sandals had brains as well as beauty – 

they were orthopedic! 

Details: 

Reno sandal. 

Available in Platinum, Black and White. 

Pig skin leather upper, Gelron 2000 insole. 

TPR flexible sole. 

Highly recommended. 

Cost £16.95. - RRP £49.95. 

West Midland Shoe Company 

Tel: 01889 561 790 

Email: enquiries@wmsc.co.uk 

Web: www.wmsc.co.uk

LOAKE SHOEMAKERS - CASE STUDY 

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MODA REVIEW 

Moda Footwear reports a strong summer show 

Moda Footwear closed the doors on a 

buzzing spring/summer 2013 

edition this week. The organisers 

reported a rise in attendance 

matched by reports of increased order 

volumes across the show. The event, the 

most important show on the UK footwear 

calendar and part of the UK’s largest 

trade fashion exhibition, played host to 

new season’s collections from over 400 

brands, including a large number showing 

at Moda Footwear for the first time. 

The show’s growing contemporary zone Select 

saw first time appearances from brands including 

Denmark’s Jack & Jones Footwear, US label K 

Swiss, British brand We Are Saints and iconic 

French brand Palladium. “As newcomers to the 

show we had a great reaction, particularly from 

independents,” says Palladium’s Joel Crane. 

“Showing the brand in Select has enabled us to 

promote it to a wider audience than we’d 

otherwise have been able to do, and we saw a lot 

of accounts that we’re now going to be following 

up with after the show.” 

Stephen McKiernan, UK key account manager 

for Jack & Jones Footwear, also reported a 

successful show. “We were absolutely inundated 

with orders from the moment the show opened on 

the Sunday, and had signed up six new accounts 

just within the first few hours,” he says. “We had a 

lot of interest from the right kind of store, and will 

definitely be coming back next season.” 


Moda Footwear’s regular exhibitors praised both 

the quality of retailer attending the show and the 

number of new accounts opened over the three 

days, despite a difficult summer for many stores. 

Rod Klau, agent for women’s footwear brands 

Fiona McGuinness, Diavolina and Dollybird 

reported successful sales across all three brands. 

“We had a great reaction to the collections this 

season, and opened new accounts with buyers 

from the UK and overseas. One of our key aims 

this season was to build up our network of 

independent stockists, and that’s exactly what 

we achieved.” Visitor attendance at Moda 

increased by 3 per cent on the previous year, 

with the show attracting footwear retailers 

including leading London indies Bullfrogs and 

Author, Edwards of Manchester, Modish of 

Cambridge and Saffron Walden and Bishops of 

Coleraine, as well as independent chains 

including Charles Clinkard and Pavers. 

Department stores visiting the show included 

Fenwick, Beales, Bentalls and Arnotts, as well as 

on-line retailers including Amazon and ASOS. 

Sarah Decent, owner of Modish, visited the 

show on the lookout for new brands as well as to 

place orders with existing suppliers. “Moda has 

always been a good show for me, and having 

discovered Mustang there last season I was 

pleased to be able to place another order with 

them this season,” she says. “I’m also hoping to 

be able to follow up with some new labels I saw at 

the show such as Rapisardi. I was very impressed 

by their spring/summer collection.” 

Demian Brewster, managing director of 

Bullfrogs, praised the breadth of product on offer 

at Moda Footwear. “Moda Footwear is now an 

essential date on our calendar due to the sheer 

number and diversity of brands, both fashion and 

mainstream,” he says. “Our team had another 

good show this season, helped by the fact that the 

event is very well edited and easy to navigate.” 

Andrew Marshall, owner of independent chain 

Strolling 4 Shoes in Cumbria, commented: “After 

such a tough season we felt it was imperative we 

gave ourselves the time to really look closely at 

what we’re buying for spring/summer next year,” 

he says. “We were very impressed with Josef 

Seibel, whose collection was extremely good value 

and all at their normal high quality. Tamaris also 

looked good, and ART had some great styles at 

very competitive prices.” 

Moda Footwear event director Sean O’Connor 

comments: “This summer has been a tough 

season for a lot of footwear retailers in the UK, 

but the positive feedback from brands and 

exhibitors over the three days of Moda showed 

that our industry is still in a good state of health. 

It’s also showed just how important it is for 

retailers to have a full overview of the new 

season’s ranges and be able to seek out new 

product, and that’s exactly the platform which 

Moda Footwear seeks to provide.” 

Moda Footwear will present the 

autumn/winter 13 collections from 17-19 

February at the NEC Birmingham.

PRIMA SOLUTIONS 

Footwear IT Specialists 

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 

PrimaNet is the specialist mul��channel business system 

designed specifically to meet the unique needs of the 

footwear, clothing and accessories marketplace. 

The Prima ethos is simple – by really understanding the 

business requirements and issues faced by each 

customer, we can work together to design prac�cal, low 

risk solu�ons that add real value. 

Now in its 22nd year, Prima has enjoyed many successful 

partnerships with leading footwear companies such as 

Loake Bros, Church’s, Edward Green, Start�rite, Van Dal, 

Cheaney, One Small Step One Giant Leap, Barker Shoes, 

Terra Plana and Dubarry of Ireland. 

“The system is a perfect fit for a mul��channel footwear 

business such as ours, and Prima’s reputa�on in the 

industry is second to none.” 

www.primasolu�ons.co.uk

MODA REVIEW EXHIBITORS COMMENTS 

What the exhibitors told 

Footwear Today Magazine: 

"Moda continues to be a valuable event in the 

footwear calendar for Lunar. We increased the size 

of our stand this year to accomodate several new 

styles and our new range of Goodyear Mens 

footwear (which has received incredible consumer 

press attention). Over the three days our stand was 

incredibly busy, with many new accounts seeking to 

become Lunar stockists. I'm very proud of what 

our brand have achieved since its launch over 20 

years ago and we would like to thank all of our 

customers who took time to visit us at the show". 

Martin Rye, Director GRS Footwear 

As ever, it was a pleasure to see so many of our 

retailers at Moda, who in most cases reported that 

trade had picked up in the last few weeks. I think 

that the effects of the Olympic high are still with 

us, as the mood was generally positive and much 

better than we had anticipated’. Go GB retailers!’ 

Lucinda Merriman, Marketing Manager, Padders. 

“Sunny weather and Olympic morale boost 

evident in many of the visitors. A Lot of positive 

forward thinking. Response to poor season was to 

look forward to a better one. Waldläufer’s new 

spring range full of bright colours in contrasting 

young leather prints. Positive remarks about our 

combination of very high spec styles at 

surprisingly competitive prices. Visitor numbers 

on par with last year with many Irish buyers 

returning.” David Bailey, Waldlaufer. 

“Although the aisles were very quiet there 

seemed to be a shift in focus for the retailer. 

This was my 4th Moda and in the past there were 

a lot of people who were looking around and 

seeing what was about, this time there seemed to 

be more of a focus of going to the chosen supplier 

and placing the order. I think everyone’s time is 

more valuable than ever at the moment and 

therefore spent very wisely. Gus Marshall, 

Footwear Agent (Mjus and Dudes). 


We have had a very good response to the 

Spring/Summer collection by VITTI LOVE. 

There has been unanimous acclaim for the boots 

delivered by VITTI LOVE this season and so 

customers are very happy to buy again on the 

basis of proven quality, fit, comfort and (most 

importantly of all) value. The range for next 

season is beautifully presented in the right 

colours of the moment. The main emphasis is on 

lower heels with "Brogue" styles making the 

fashion statement and the "Glove" construction 

ensuring that many styles have a real comfort 

edge. All styles will retail under £99. We will 

definitely be back at Moda next season to give all 

retailers a chance to see the next installment of 

the VITTI LOVE boot explosion!Not to be missed. 

Martin Ward, Footwear Agent. 

“El Naturalista had a successful show, 

Welcoming Back many past customers and gaining 

new ones with our new Price entry level product 

from £49.99 ( RRP ) seemingly hitting the spot”. 

David Smith. 

We were extremely encouraged by the 

outstanding reception Dolcis received at this 

season’s Moda. A significant number of respected 

retailers visited the stand over the course of the 

three day show and were delighted by the lower 

than anticipated price points and the exceptional 

margins being offered. Buyers in attendance were 

quick to invest in this fashionable, trend-led, 

launch collection for spring/summer 2013”. 

Tim Couchman, Sales Director, Jacobson Group. 

“The Gardiners group of companies had an 

exceptional Moda show, writing many orders and 

opening new accounts. The Cotswold range in 

particular was very well received, with its emphsis 

on quality leather shoes, offering very acceptable 

margins. Riva shoes had great success with its 

range of wedge pumps, with one shoe Orangatan, 

the star of the show. 

“Excellent orders were taken on the FLEXX 

range, which Gardiners recently became UK 

distributors. I believe that in the next five years 

FLEXX will become one of the major comfort 

brands in the UK, and an important part of every 

retailers offering. “The whole Gardiners team 

worked exceptionally well, and are a credit to the 

old established family wholesalers.” 

Robert Cole, Head of Sales, Gardiners. 

"Quality not quantity was the order of the day 

at Moda. We felt footfall was down but quality of 

buyers more than made-up for the lack of 

visitation. The reaction to our SS13 Heavenly Feet 

range was strong and we were very encouraged 

by the positive responses received. In-stock for 

immediate delivery was also important and we 

were able to offer a good range of stock to buyers 

that needed to top-up areas of their business for 

the coming Autumn." 

Stuart Bailey, Heavenly Feet 

Moda Footwear will present the 

autumn/winter 13 collections from 17-19 

February at the NEC Birmingham.

To book your 

advertisement/classified in 

please call Sue Wiseman 

on 01622 699185 

or email 

swiseman@datateam.co.uk 

Proven solutions for improving 

visibility, efficiency and 

productivity throughout the 

fashion supply chain.

PURE REVIEW 

Buoyant Mood at Pure London 

According to show organisers WGSN, the 

‘who’s who’ of fashion buying attended 

Pure London last month and exhibitors 

reported plenty of orders being written and 

good business being done. The show reportedly 

closed its doors on Tuesday having maintained 

visitor numbers year-on-year. 

With over 1,000 brands and 250 new to the 

show, many of which presented their SS13 

collections exclusively at Pure London, wear, Pure 

Junior housing top childrenswear, and the French 

Boulevard with a selection on French accessory 

brands; Pure London has expanded in size 

opening up into the new West Hall. 

The organisers maintain that exciting content 

on stage at Pure London has been key to a 

creating a positive visitor experience, with better 

buying and better business high on the agenda. 

This season saw the highest attendance at the 

seminars offering an unbeatable line up of 

speakers with over 2,550 buyers in attendance 

over the three days. 60 industry experts took to 

the three stages including founder of MJM 

International, Michelle Mone OBE who spoke to a 

packed audience on building her empire, while 

Brix Smith-Start took to the stage to discuss her 

top trends for spring / summer 13. 

The addition of the new Gallery Stage allowed 

buyers to see the accessory, footwear, lingerie and 

swimwear trends translated for the season and 


19th – 21st August 2012 

the Queen of British Fashion, Zandra Rhodes 

presented the launch of her handbag range. 

Tracie Charity, Merchandise Manager of 

Fenwick commented “At Pure London we are able 

to get inspiration, ideas and it”s always on trend. 

Today we have seen fantastic brands and a wide 

range that are a perfect fit for us! “ 

International attendance was reportedly strong 

with visitors from Ireland, Germany, France, Spain, 

Italy, Scandinavia and the US with buyers visiting 

from over 72 counties and from as far afield as 

Australia, Brazil, Japan, Hong Kong and UAE. 

Footwear and accessory brands included 

Jeffrey Campbell, Becksondergaard, Melissa, 

House of Harlow 1960, French Sole, Tatty Devine, 

Sultanesque and Christian Lacroix. 

Rolf W. Buhr, UK Chief Executive, Peter Kaiser, 

commented: “It was our first time at Pure London 

and we have picked up some great new accounts. 

We will be back again next season, we need to 

keep the momentum going.” 

Pure Junior launched this season in the 

National Hall, with selected childrenswear brands 

including Yumi Girls, More Stories, Crew, Little 

Marc Jacobs, French Connection Kids. 

Sarah Lawrence, Event Director of Pure London 

summed up the mood at Pure: “The overall vibe of 

Pure London has been positive amongst both 

exhibitors and visitors, the combination of 

exciting features, catwalks, seminar content and 

brands making a big contribution in the 

presentation of their collections created an 

exciting and inspiring event. 

We are already looking forward to the next show 

10-12 February 2013” 

www.purelondon.com

COMPANY PROFILE 

Tell us about your company history. 

What’s the story behind the brand? 

My family has been making shoes in 

Northamptonshire for five generations. Loake is 

one of the most experienced producers of fine, 

Goodyear welted footwear in the world, having 

made more than 50 million pairs. The tradition 

began in 1880 when three Loake brothers set 

out to produce the best men’s shoes possible. 

The Goodyear construction is a traditional and 

intricate process, with origins that can be 

traced back over 300 years. Today, our 

premium Goodyear welted shoes are still 

handcrafted in England. They have become a 

favourite with our discerning customers all over 

the world and are exported to over 60 countries. 

Loake has made footwear for British soldiers 

and officers in two World Wars, British Olympic 

teams and other high profile British sportsmen, 

actors and musicians. Loake has also produced 

some iconic designs that have become 

synonymous with British youth culture, such as 

our Brighton loafer and Royal brogue, which 

were first introduced in the 70s and are still in 

production today. 

Do you have a brand philosophy? 

We have always concentrated on making the best 

shoes we possibly can. The Loake brand has 

evolved to embrace heritage, Britishness and a 

genuine passion for fine, handcrafted 

shoemaking passed down through five 

generations of our family. 

But, although Goodyear welted shoes are an 

aspirational purchase, I believe that Loake 

is also a ‘democratic’ brand that is 

accessibly priced. 


Cheryl Taylor, Editor, 

talks to Andrew Loake, 

Managing Director of 

Loake Bros. Ltd. 

What sets your company’s products apart from 

the rest? 

The price to quality ratio is exceptional. A pair of 

Loake Goodyear welted shoes takes eight weeks 

to produce. Some 130 skilled craftspeople, up to 

75 shoe parts and 200 different operations are 

involved. Only the very highest quality materials 

are used. And yet the shoes are honestly priced. 

This is ‘accessible luxury’. Loake is very much a 

forward-looking company. The range of footwear 

on offer has been extended to include alternative 

constructions and a choice of both classic and 

contemporary designs. We place special emphasis 

on fit and have developed our own unique 

comfort technology. We also operate a 

comprehensive in-stock service that can usually 

despatch within 24 hours. 

Where are you based and where do you manufacture? 

We are based in Kettering, Northamptonshire, 

England, where we can be found in the same 

factory that we moved into in 1894. This is where 

we produce our premium Goodyear welted shoes 

for the Loake 1880. Loake Evolution and Loake 

Shoemakers collections. We also have a factory in 

India that produces our entry-level L1 collection 

and some styles in our Design Loake range. 

In addition to our main offering of Goodyear 

welted shoes, we also source some more relaxed 

styles (moccasins, boat shoes etc.) under the 

Loake Lifestyle label. 

How many people do you have working for you? 

Do you have a high turnover of staff? 

There are approximately 130 staff in both the 

office and the factory. Most of our employees stay 

with us for many years. It is not unusual for 

people to work for us for 25 years or more. 

Even 50 years. We often have several members of 

the same family working for us – this really is a 

family business in every sense. 

How do you market your products? 

Do you use social networking? 

We are regularly featured in the men’s style and 

national press and we maintain awareness with 

advertising in both. We also have an increasingly 

good presence online on men’s style sites and 

fashion blogs, and have an active Facebook page 

which enjoys good community engagement. 

Moving forward we are incorporating social media 

into our marketing as standard. 

Any famous customers? 

There are a lot of famous names wearing our 

shoes. It’s very rewarding when we discover 

well-known people who are already wearing our 

shoes through their own personal choice. 

Actor Martin Freeman is a good example of this. 

Some of the celebrities that wear our shoes are 

featured on the Loake Facebook page. 

And, the next step? 

Any plans for the future, new lines etc? 

We’ve just opened a shop in Princes Arcade, 

Piccadilly, and improved our website. 

And there are still more exciting developments in 

the pipeline. Watch this space! 

How do we contact you? 

Tel: 01536 415 411 

sales@loake.co.uk 

www.loake.co.uk

Exclusive Distributors: H B Shoes Ltd, Fosse Way, Syston LE7 1NL 

Tel: 44 1162 605043 info@hbshoes.co.uk www.hbshoes.co.uk

Brighten up the store ready for S/S 13 

Becci Knowles takes a look at next season’s trends with the help of Jaana Jätyri, founder of trend forecasting agency Trendstop.com 

Trendstop Street Style 

Snakeskin, Mules, Mint Green 

Put a spring in your customer’s step next season with a range of fabulous 

mules. Louis Vuitton and Prada have created some beautiful heeled slip ons 

which will translate well into stores. Mint green wll be the big colour for 

Spring/Summer, along with other shades of pastel. Fendi have created some 

cool and contemporary mules with a nautical theme - expect to see more like 

this as brands embrace the summer style. 

The strappy sandal is still very much in vogue, with ice cream colours in 

sweet shades of mint, aqua and pink. Shoppers can select all the colours of 

the rainbow and will love the bright, summery mood they evoke. Texture 

features heavily; snakeskin, python and reptile prints will be an instant hit 

with the style savvy customer. 

Trendstop Street Style 


Kurt Geiger Fendi S/S 2012 

Africana 

Warm and earthy, Africana is going to be a huge trend. Retailers will have 

fun making their selection from the wide range of platform wedges and 

African prints available. We are going to see more pattern on footwear than 

ever beore as styling starts to take place from the bottom up. 

Burberry has created one with a hemp weave (left) capturing the look and 

feel of this exciting trend. 

The Heeled Lofa 

The heeled Lofa is 

set to be make a 

massive impact next 

season. Shoes that 

look like they mean 

business, the 

professional woman 

will love their 

straight talking style. 

Designed in the wide 

ranging shades of 

the season, we don’t 

expect the customer 

to stop at just the 

one pair. either! 

Burberry Prorsum S/S 2012 

Tommy Hilfiger S/S 2012 

Upbeat Colour Blocking 

Expect to see lots of colour blocking; pastel 

brights and candy are the flavour of 

the season. 

Holographic 

A foil look to leathers will feature 

heavily throughout S/S13 with 

metallics still very popular in both 

footwear and accessories. 

Karen Walker F/W 2012-13 

Peter Som 

Spring Summer 2012 

Salvatore Ferragamo 

S/S 2012 

Mary Katrantzou 

S/S 2012

Accessories 

Materials and colour will follow the footwear. Rainbow, 

multi coloured, mint greens/pastel, snakeskin. In terms of 

shape - anything that can hold an iPad is in! 

The ‘iclutch’ as it is fast becoming known is for men and 

women, as menswear becomes much more directional. 

For women, the holographic styles for shoes translate 

into bags, along with the Africana prints (pictured left). 

Colour Palette 

Alert Orange Aqua Blue Cornflower Blue 

Mint Green Pretty in Peach Purple Polish 

All images courtesy of trendstop.com 

Blumarine A/W 2012-13 

Hyper-Real Tangerine 

Winter Lavender 

And for the men... 

The three major trends are Summer Dandy, Shoe Sandal 

and Statement Slipper - Have you got the look? 

Neil Barrett 

S/S 2012 


Ara Shoes 

Comfort! 

Style! 

Elegance! 

After an outstanding MODA 

exhibition, Ara have begun 

their re-launch in to the UK market. 

As one of the truly global shoe brands 

with sales in excess of ¤500m, Ara 

sees the UK and Ireland as markets 

perfectly positioned to explode with the 

Ara, Jenny and Ara Men’s brands. 

Ara has six wholly owned international 

production sites employing over 8000 

people distributing shoes to literally all 

corners of the globe. 

With a secure distribution base already 

established in the UK, Ara, through its 

partnership with HB Shoes – the UK’s oldest 

established footwear distributor – plans to 

organically grow its presence through the 

independent and multiple sectors in the UK. 

The Ara brand is recognised as a world 

leader with a modern commercial 

interpretation of fashion trends, featuring 

flexible light and functional footwear for 

men and women. Jenny by Ara offers 

perfectly fitting affordable shoes for a 

younger profile consumer. 

1 1 

Ara offers width fittings from F 2 to H 2 

with comfort as a dominant factor. 


/ 

/ 

Ara is proud to continue its partnership 

with Gore-TEX ® for the use of their 

breathable waterproof membrane in the 

collection. Gore-TEX ® Surround now offers all 

the flexibility and comfort synonymous with 

both Gore-TEX ® and Ara including the sole! 

Jenny by Ara hits those key retail price 

points between £40 and £60 with 75% of the 

collection, whilst still securing a 2.5 mark-up 

in addition to stock. The younger fashion 

element ensures an enormous consumer 

appeal cemented by perfect fittings. 

Ara bags are an important addition to 

many of the brand’s stockists and these too 

will be available at the regional stock rooms 

and exhibitions, in addition to the shop 

appointments arranged by the sales team. 

For further information please contact: 

ara@hbshoes.co.uk 

Contact Details: 

Head Office: 

HB Shoes Ltd 

Fosse Way Syston 

Leics LE7 1NL 

00 44 1162 605043 

North & Scotland: 

Shoes 2 U 

Stuart McGrady 

shoes2u_stuart@btinternet.com 

00 44 7841 53465 

West: 

Key Elements 

Alan Hannigan 

hannigan.alan@gmail.com 

00 44 7831 639509 

For Ireland contact Shane Geary 

shanegeary1@eircom.net 

00 353 87 910 4415

ara-shoes.com 

Shoe fashion that fi ts me. 

H B Shoes Ltd – tel.: 44 116 2605 043 – e-mail: ara@hbshoes.co.uk

COMPANY PROFILE 

The latest mobile solutions 

from a seasoned supplier of retail 

systems for the footwear sector 

Founded in 1990 by retail professionals, 

Eurostop has been at the forefront of retail 

systems for the footwear, fashion, jewellery 

and apparel sector ever since. Having a 

retail background means that the team at 

Eurostop understand retail concerns, and have a 

passion for harnessing the very latest 

technologies to streamline your operations. 

Now a global company with offices across the 

UK and Ireland, China, Singapore and Malaysia, 

Eurostop’s EPOS software is used at over 12,000 

retail locations in the UK, Europe, the USA and 

Asia. The Eurostop EPOS system is multi-lingual 

and integrated into either the Eurostop Head 

Office software or third party ERP solutions 

such as SAP, Movex, Microsoft Dynamics, SAP B1 

and many others. As well as EPOS we also 

provide Head Office systems, e-Commerce 

and m-Commerce. 

Despite our success we have never lost our 

commitment to the independent retailer and our 

enthusiasm for solving retail problems, our latest 

solutions demonstrate just that. 

We are currently seeing a strong trend towards the 

convergence of online and mobile with bricks and 

mortar stores, and our recently launched mobile 

solution has been a huge hit. Our e-pos solution 

now runs on both mobile and tablet devices. 


This provides a flexible and versatile solution 

enabling staff to help customers with live stock 

enquiries anywhere around the store, and it can 

also be used as a temporary checkout kiosk for 

queue busting purposes. 

Additional, pop-up checkout kiosks can be very 

useful at busy times, a key consideration with the 

Christmas period just around the corner. 

Eurostop’s solution includes a touch screen tablet, 

a network receipt printer, and a wireless scanner. 

We can also supply the wired Chip & PIN pad. 

To really bring mobile EPOS into the 21st 

century and enable you to harness social media, 

we are able to provide the option of paperless 

receipts. Customers who shop online have for 

many years received their receipts via email and it 

is a natural progression to offer this service instore 

as well. Email receipts enable you to reach 

out to the customer after the sale, providing 

marketing information on the receipt based on 

the item purchased, store shopped in or many 

other variables. This puts an end to the challenge 

of lost receipts, making refunds and exchanges 

much easier. 

Another new innovation from Eurostop which 

will be introduced before Christmas is online and 

mobile coupons. 

Our users will be able to send mobile coupons and 

gift vouchers directly to their customers' 

smartphones. This provides a secure and easy 

way for customers to redeem promotional offers 

in-store with their smartphone, making shopping 

easier for the customer. This technology can also 

be used by customers to send mobile gift 

vouchers to friends and family. 

These new mobile solutions from Eurostop 

further extend our existing comprehensive range 

of retail management and EPOS solutions. All are 

supported by powerful and yet intuitive reporting 

that enable retailers to optimise profits, turnover 

and generate economies of scale. 

Eurostop’s system is used by many footwear 

retailers, high profile customers include: 

Pentland Group, Pavers, Overland, Irregular 

Choice and Ben Sherman. 

For more information about 

Eurostop’s innovative Retail 

Management solutions please visit: 

www.eurostop.co.uk or call 

Phillip Moylan on 020 8991 2700 or 

email: sales@eurostop.co.uk

KENSINGTON SHOE EVENT SUPPLEMENT 

Zapatos Españoles 


Zapatos Españoles is pleased to launch the brand new AYR SS13 collection 

high quality designer shoes from Spain at the Kensington Shoe Event 

Kensington Shoe Event 

23-25 September 2012 at the Westbury Hotel, Conduit Street, Mayfair, London, W1 

Please contact Charlie Nelson (07870 175149) to arrange an appointment 

Zapatos Españoles Charlie Nelson m. 07870 175149 e. nelsonshoes@yahoo.co.uk

Kensington Shoe Event Floorplan 

2nd 

FLOOR 

1st 

FLOOR 

PINE 

ROOM: 

GROUND 

FLOOR 

MOUNT 

VERNON 

ROOM: 

LOWER 

GROUND 

FLOOR 

FLY 

LONDON 

2B 

ARCHE 

1B 

MARTIN 

WARD 

2C 

ROLF 

BUHR 

1C 

N.B.: Floorplans not to scale 

WONDERS 

2A 

PETER 

PEARCE 

1A 

VOLTAN 

2D 

MARKOLI 

2E 

Lifts and stairs to floors 

CHARLIE 

NELSON 

1D 

JAIME 

MASCARO 

1E 

Lifts and stairs to floors 

NORTH & 

SOUTH 

P1 

JEFFREY 

PREECE 

P4 

PAUL 

GREEN 

MV1 

DAVID 

ROBERTS 

2F 

RENATO 

DE ANGELIS 

1F 

GARDENIA 

2G 

BUGATTI 

MV2 

MODA 

IN PELLE 

MV3 

LEWIS 

FORD 

P2 

PAUL 

DUGDALE 

P3 

JOHNNY 

WOOLFSON 

2H 

COCOON/ 

MANAS 

2N 

UNISA 

1G 

23-25 September 2012 

JAVIER 

CARBONELL 

2L 

CHRIS 

DAGLESS 

2M 

CORSINI/ 

SHEPPARD 

1H 

CHARLIE 

NICOLE 

1L

The Kensington Shoe Event offers visitors the opportunity to view more than 50 exciting and 

original collections that reflect the latest trends for Spring/Summer 2013. 

Fashion footwear from Italy, Spain, Germany, Portugal and France create a truly “International 

Atmosphere”, making The Kensington Shoe Event a very interesting and comprehensive Show for 

all UK Fashion and Footwear Retailers. 

ALBERTO ZAGO - ALFIERE-KHRIO - ANGEL ALARCON - ARCHE - ARMAND BASI - ART - AUDLEY - 

BALTARINI - B.D.A. - BENCH GRADE - BENIDEL - BLUE SKY MODA SPORT - BUGATTI - CAROLINE 

SHEPPARD - CERVONE - CHARLIE NICOLE - CHARLIE NELSON - CHOCOLAT D’OR - CHRIS 

DAGLESS - COCOON PARTNERS - DAVID BELL - DAVID ROBERTS - DAV RAINBOOT - FABRIZIO 

CORSINI - FLORANS - FLY LONDON - GADEA - GARDENIA - GLAMURANO - GLORIA GRIMALDI - 

HISPANITAS - JAIME MASCARÓ - JAVIER CARBONELL - JEFFREY PREECE - JOHNNY WOOLFSON - 

LA ROSS - LE CHAMEAU - LEWIS FORD - MANAS - MANILA - MARKOLI - MARTIN WARD - MIZ MOOZ - 

MODA IN PELLE - NEOSENS - NERO GIARDINI - NORTH & SOUTH - OLGA BERG (H/BAGS) - PACO 

HERRERO - PACO MILAN - PAM - PAUL DUGDALE - PAUL GREEN - PEDRO MIRALLES - PETER 

KAISER - PETER PEARCE - PONS QUINTANA - PRETTY BALLERINAS - QUEST - RAPISARDI - RENATO 

DE ANGELIS - ROLF BUHR - SACHELLE - SANITA - SIXTYSEVEN - SKA BALLERINAS - SOFTINO’S - 

THINK! - TONI PONS - UNISA/JTA - URSULA MASCARÓ - VANILLA MOON - VICTORIA - VIDORETTA - 

VITTI LOVE - VOLTAN - WONDERS - YULL 

23-25 SEPTEMBER 

WESTBURY MAYFAIR HOTEL, CONDUIT STREET, LONDON W1 

THE KENSINGTON SHOE EVENT 

WESTBURY MAYFAIR HOTEL, CONDUIT STREET, LONDON W1 

Sunday: 9.30 am - 6.30 pm Monday: 9.30 am - 6.30 pm Tuesday: 9.30 am - 4.00 pm 

Enquiries: Renato de Angelis Tel: +44 (0)207 937 7618 email: renatodeangelis@aol.com 

www.thekensingtonshoeevent.co.uk

KENSINGTON PREVIEW 

The Kensington Shoe Event 

23-25 September 2012 at the Westbury Hotel, Conduit Street, Mayfair, London, W1 

If you can only afford to attend one footwear show this season, then 

consider The Kensington Shoe Event. Footwear and fashion buyers 

looking for medium-to-high quality footwear need look no further than 

this ‘boutique’ show, located right in the heart of London. Held twice 

yearly, in March and September, it is a treat not to be missed. 

On display retailers will find a variety of brands offering an exciting cross 

section of Europe’s best factories and designers. These are some of the best 

selling brands in the UK, for shoe and fashion retailers. The timing of the 

Event, just after the major European shows allows the retailers to have a clear 

mind on what to buy in a relaxed and informal environment. 

In September The Kensington Shoe Event will welcome four new exhibitors 

who will bring ten fresh collections to the Show. This will undoubtedly add 

some fresh impetus to The Westbury Hotel Event and will keep retailers more 

than satisfied with the offer on show. 

New exhibitors at the Kensington Shoe Event this 

season will include: 

• Fly London will be showing the "Fly London" range alongside their 

"Softinos" line. 

• Blue Sky Sport will present "Wonders" and also the famous "Dav Rainboot". 

• David Roberts will be presenting "La Ross", "Cervone" and "Florans". 

• North + South will show "Sanita", "Yull" and "Miz Mooz". 

Other collections on display for the first time, with current exhibitors, 

include "Bugatti", "Chocolat D'Or", "B.D.A." and "Gadea". 

There will be a total of 53 collections on display from around the world, 

giving retailers a wonderful opportunity to view all that is best in Footwear 

Fashion for Spring/Summer 2013. 

Entry to The Kensington Shoe Event is free to trade members....simply 

register at the desk to gain admittance to this delightful Event. 

The show starts at 9.30am daily. There is free tea/coffee and pastries 

throughout the day for retailers needing refreshment. 


The full list of exhibitors/factories on show is: 

ALBERTO ZAGO - ALFIERE-KHRIO - ANGEL ALARCON - ARCHE - ARMAND BASI - ART - 

ASHLEY CUMMING - AUDLEY - BALTARINI - B.D.A. - BENCH GRADE - BENIDEL - BUGATTI 

- CAROLINE SHEPPARD - CERVONE - CHARLIE NICOLE - CHARLIE NELSON - 

CHRIS DAGLESS - CHOCOLAT D'OR - COCOON PARTNERS - DAV RAINBOOT - 

DAVID BELL - DAVID ROBERTS - ED WALLER - FABRIZIO CORSINI - FLORANS - 

FLY LONDON - GADEA - GARDENIA - GLAMURANO - GLORIA GRIMALDI - HISPANITAS - 

JAIME MASCARÓ - JAVIER CARBONELL - JEFFREY PREECE - JOHNNY WOOLFSON - 

KEVIN BUCK - LA ROSS - LE CHAMEAU - LEWIS FORD - MANAS - MANILA - MARKOLI - 

MARTIN WARD - MIZ MOOZ - MODA IN PELLE - NEOSENS - NERO GIARDINI - 

NORTH & SOUTH FOOTWEAR - OLGA BERG (H/BAGS) - PACO HERRERO - PACO MILAN - 

PAM - PAUL DUGDALE - PAUL GREEN - PAUL TOBIN - PEDRO MIRALLES - 

PETER KAISER - PETER PEARCE - PONS QUINTANA - PRETTYBALLERINA - QUEST - 

RAPISARDI - RENATO DE ANGELIS - ROLF BUHR - SACHELLE - SACHELLE COUTURE - 

SANITA - SIXTYSEVEN - SKA BALLERINAS - SOFTINO'S - THINK! - TONI PONS - UNISA/JTA 

- URSULA MASCARÓ - VANILLA MOON - VICTORIA - VIDORRETA - VITTI LOVE - VOLTAN 

- WONDERS - YULL 

Opening times for the Event: 

Sunday: 9.30 am - 6.30 pm 

Monday: 9.30 am - 6.30 pm 

Tuesday: 9.30 am - 4.00 pm 

Enquiries: 

Martin Ward Tel: +44 (0) 1242 250908 

Email: martinwardfootwear@hotmail.co.uk 

Renato de Angelis Tel: 0207 937 7618 

Email: renatodeangelis@aol.com 

www.kensingtonshoeevent.co.uk

SHOW ROOM 

Olympic House (CWF) • 317-321 Latimer Road • LONDON • W10 6RA 

Rob Sewell 07774 722757 • Chris Dent 07769 694463 

www.cocoonpartners.co.uk

Venutti Agencies are showing their exciting new ranges at the following Exhibitions: 

KENSINGTON SHOE & BAG SHOW (new venue Westbury Hotel off Conduit Street) 

23rd – 25th SEPTEMBER 

DUBLIN SHOE & BAG SHOW 30th SEPTEMBER – 2nd OCTOBER 

WE HAVE MOVED TO: 

Venutti Agencies: 7-8 Piccadilly Buildings, Sheep Street, Kettering, Northants NN16 0AN 

T +44 (0)1536 310447 F +44 (0)1536 80995 E sales@venutti.co.uk W www.venutti.co.uk

EDITOR’S CHOICE 

Ladies Footwear - Best of Shows 

Ara Padders 

Style Jenny sandal 56761 

Trade: £18 - RRP: £45 

Style Jenny shoe 55255 

Trade: £24 - RRP: £60 

Style 30838 

Trade: £30 - RRP: £75 

with an incredible palette of colours and memory foam insole. 

Style 33543 

Sling back showing classic retro styline 

Trade: £26 - RRP: £65 

Email: ara@hbshoes.co.uk 


Style: Charlotte Product code: 284. 

Ladies court with attractive buckle trim. 

Moccasin construction. 

Nappa leather upper, lining and insole. Rubber outsole. 

Fitting: E (Wide) Sizes: 3 – 8 Trade price: £33.60 

Vitti Love 

Tel: 01536 534999 

www.padders.co.uk 

Best selling two-tone tassel flattie in white with an orange trim. 

Cost price: £26 - RRP: £69/75. 

Art 

Email: martinwardfootwear@hotmail.co.uk 

Art i breath style number 0975 yellow. 

Wholesale: £23 - RRP: £56 

A modern construction which combines the outsole with the 

insole to develop a lightweight comfortable sandal. 

Art Lille style number 0021 - Wholesale £21 - Retail £52 

Pump using a new method of construction which is lightweight 

and extremely flexible. 

Available in 8 colours and 4 different uppers. 

Rob Sewell 

Tel: 07774 722757 

email: rsewell@blueyonder.co.uk

Dude 

MOKA: The core ladies product from Hey Dude is the Moka, 

a low cut deck shoe with fantastic comfort and lightweight, 

available in 13 colours. 

Trade price: £15.75 + VAT - RRP: £37.50 

Dolcis 

Tamaris 

Email: fred.willis@drooth.com 

Tel: 07785-524856 

www.drooth.com 

Style: OLP030 - For a look to get you 

noticed, these playful polka dot wedge 

sandals work perfectly. 

Trade price: £12.99 - RRP: £35.00 

Description - 28333 

Strappy textile sandal 

with block tone wedge 

Trade price £18.50 - RRP: £49.99 

Style: OLS032 - Snake print patterns 

and cork heels are back for SS13, so this 

super-cute pair of wedges will have you 

working summers hottest trends to a tee! 


Tel: 01706 212512 

sales@jacobsongroup.co.uk 

Agent Tim Smithen 

tim.smithen@wortmann.com 

Tel: 0049 5231 605 129 

Tel: 01604 880146 

Heavenly Feet 

Style: Rio Cost: £14.80 - SSP: £39.00 

Ladies butter soft leather moccasin with leather tassel motif. 

Flexible, lightweight outsole, premium upper, lining and 

comfort sock. 

Iron Fist 

Fiesta Skull Peep toe platform 

Trade: £31.25 - RRP: £74.99 

Style: Jordan Cost: £14.50 - SSP: £42.00 

Ladies fashion hi-top boot. 

3 strap touch-fastening, super soft materials, 

lightweight design. Available now. 

Heavenly Feet 

Tel: +44 (0) 1858 414424 

Distant memory peep toe platform 

Trade: £35.41 - RRP: £84.99 

Trade enquiries: 01202 338500 

email: sales@jacksondistribution.com 

Josef Seibel 

Style: 55192 Inka 11 95657 Crystal. 

Trade price: £27.50/¤32.32 - RRP: £59.99/¤75 

Style: 76309 Natascha 05 911350 Red, 

Trade price: £32.08/¤38.76 

RRP: £69.99/¤89.95 

Tel. 01603 307860 

email: enquiries@josefseibel.co.uk 


EDITOR’S CHOICE 

Ladies Footwear - Best of Shows 

Waldläufer 

Style 214001 - Ladies 5 

eyelet G-fitting sneaker. 

Choice of many bright 

colour combinations with 

stud design Removable insole 

and clipped heel fit standard on all 

Waldläufer shoes. 

Trade: £29.50 - RRP: £75.00 

Fly London 


Style 431016 - H-fitting mocassin 

with rope trim in wide range of 

vibrant nubuck and feature 

leather colours. Removable 

insoles and clipped heel fit 

standard on all Waldläufer shoes. 

Trade £29.50 - RRP £75.00 

Tel: Rosemary 01706 828799 

Email: dandrbailey@talktalk.net. 

P142628001 – style ‘BILT’ 

Trade: £47.00 - RRP: £110 

stylish wedge in soft brushed leather 

with buckle fastening & peep toe 

P142626001 – style ‘DAME’ 

Trade: £42.70 - RRP: £100 

platform cork wedge 

offered in mustard, 

red, petrol & red suedes. 

Contact: 

ashley@flylondon.com 

Tel: 07957 232790 

Wembley 

Style 4364 - Ladies Winter boot. 

Trade price: £14.99 - RRP £39.99 

Style 3945 Ladies winter fashion boot. 


Romika 

Style 4362 - Ladies Winter boot. 


Tel: 0208 808 0550 

email: wembleyfootwear@hotmail.com 

www.wembleyfashions.co.uk 

Style: 11104 

Tonga 04 08600 Green. 

Trade price £27.50/¤34.45 - RRP: £59.99/¤79.95 

Style: 83402 

Jamaika 02 92400 Red. 

Trade price: £27.50/¤34.45 

RRP: £59.99/¤79.95 

Tel: 01603 307860 

email: enquiries@romika.co.uk

Ipanema 

Style: Jewel. - Pink. 

Trade: £7.75 - RRP: £22.00 

New for summer 2013, Jewel sits within the premium range, 

and has proven popular with buyers who target the younger 

woman. 100% recyclable 

Style: Gisele Bündchen Sunset. - Brown. 

Trade: £10.00 - RRP: £28.00 

Quality sandal in a beautiful design with butterfly motif. 

The neutral tones with gold detailing follow the key colour 

trends for summer 2013. 

Tel: 01992 701 832 

email: mason.young@mercuryhouse.com 

El Naturalista 

Wakataua – N429 – Trade 37.42 Euros - RRP: £75.00 

Leather/Rubber Outsoles/Comfort last/Anatomic 

insoles/Recycled foot bed. 

Torcal – N301 – Trade 33.36 Euros - £65.00 

Trufa leather/Comfort last/Sole for walking/Anatomic insoles. 

Tel: 01455 203222 

sheena@blueskymoda.com 

Cefalu 

BL4200 

Patent and Suede ballerina, full leather linings available to size 45 

Trade: £29.99 - RRP: £74.99 

3122 

High wedge espadrille in metallic/feature material combination 

Trade: £33.99 - RRP: £84.99 

Aerobics 

Mocc Soft Suede loafer with skin print fringe. 

Removable latex insock 

Trade: £26.99 - RRP £69.99 

Lunar 

Graham Davies Footwear. 

Email: graham@cefalu-shoes.co.uk 

Style JLH296 

Trade Price: £10.99 - Retail Approx £29.99 

Gladiator style sandal by Lunar. The style is fabulous for so 

many summer outfits available in black, white & red. 

The stretch fabric ensures a snug but comfortable fit. 

Email: martin@grs-footwear.co.uk 


BEST SELLERS 

Best Selling Footwear Brands 

July 2012 

40 • FOOTWEAR TODAY • SEPTEMBER 2012

Top Ladies Footwear Brands 

Rieker was the best selling Ladies brand overall 

in July 2012 among the independent UK footwear 

retailers polled by Footwear Today Magazine, 

followed Van Dal, Ara, Heavenly Feet and Lotus. 

Top Ladies brands overall 

Rieker 

Van Dal 

Ara 

Heavenly Feet 

Lotus 

Other highly acclaimed best sellers included 

(in alphabetical order): 

Adesso, Birkenstock, Clarks, Crocs, Earth Spirit, 

Easy B, Fit-Flop, Gabor, HB Shoes, Hotter, 

Josef Seibel, Padders, Riva, Rohde, Sioux, 

UKD, Waldlaufer. 

Top Ladies Comfort/Casual Shoes 

Rieker 

Josef Seibel 

Clarks 

Ara 

Hotter 



Boulivard, Cara, Caprice, Cotswold, DB Shoes, 

Dubarry, Easy B, Earth Spirit, Ecco, Geox, 

Heavenly Feet, Hotter, Hush Puppies, Lugina, 

Maria Lya, Mephisto, Propet, Riva, Romika, 

Remonte Dorndorf, Rohde, Sachelle, Skechers, 

Softwaves. 

Top Ladies Formal shoes 

Van Dal 

Naturalizer 

Gabor 

Ara 

HB Shoes 



Hush Puppies, Lotus, Marian, Peter Kaiser, 

Rieker, Riva, Sachelle, 

Top Ladies Fashion/Contemporary shoes 

Fly London 

Gabor 

Clarks 

Art/ Neosen 

Cefalu 

Highly acclaimed best sellers included (in 

alphabetical order): 

Camper, Caprice, Crocs, Heavenly Feet, 

Hush Puppies, J. Shoes, Marco Tozzi, Peter 

Kaiser, Rapisardi, Riva, Samson, Sebago, 

Skechers, Sponge, Susst, Vidorreta, Yoma 

Top Ladies Sandals 

Josef Seibel 

Rieker 

FitFlop 

Clarks 

Heavenly Feet 



Birkenstock, Caprice, Cotswold, Crocs, 

Earth Spirit, Fly London, Gabor, Geox, Lotus, 

Lunar, Naturalizer, Remonte Dorndorf, Riva, 

Rohde, San Marlo, Tamaris, Vidorreta, 

Waldlaufer. 

Top Men’s Footwear Brands 

According to the indies polled by Footwear 

Today, the star performing men’s footwear 

brand in July 2012 was Rieker, followed by 

Maybury, Anatomic Gel, Josef Seibel 

and Barker. 

Top Men’s brands overall 

Rieker 

Maybury 

Anatomic Gel 

Josef Seibel 

Barker 



Clarks, Cotswold, Crocs, Chatham Marine, 

Dr. Martens, Easy B, Hush Puppies, J. Shoes, 

John White, Loake. Mephisto, Padders, Pikolinos, 

Rohde, Skechers, Sioux, Steptronic, UKD 

Top Men’s Comfort/Casual Shoes 

Hush Puppies 

Josef Seibel 

Clarks 

Mephisto 

Rieker 



Camel Active, Dr. Martens, Easy B, Ecco, FitFlop, 

Geox, Hush Puppies, J. Shoes, Merrell, Padders, 

Pikolinos, Rohde, Roamers, Skechers, 

Steptronic, Timberland, Wrangler 

Top Men’s Formal Shoes 

(only two clear winners) 

Loake 

Anatomic Gel 



Cotswold, Clarks, Dr. Martens, Ecco, 

Hush Puppies, Rohde, Rieker, Steptronic. 

What the retailers had to say: 

Men’s Sandals – one clear winner 

Josef Seibel 



Gardiners, Ecco, Lotus, Hush Puppies, Rohde, 

Rieker, Timberland. 

Top Children’s Footwear Brands 

Start-rite was the number one best-selling brand 

across all children’s ranges in July 2012, among 

the UK footwear retailers polled by Footwear 

Today Magazine, followed by Clarks, 

Hush Puppies, Ricosta and Lelli Kelly. 

Top Children’s brands Overall 

StartRite 

Clarks 

Hush Puppies 

Ricosta 

Lelli Kelly 



Crocs, Ecco, Hush Puppies, Geox, 

Primigi.Superfit/Legero 

Top PreWalkers 

Clarks 

Start-Rite 

Hush Puppies 

Inch Blue 

Top Walkers 

StartRite 

Clarks 

Lelli Kelly 

Hush Puppies 

Agatha Ruiz De La Prada 


(in alphabetical order): Babybotte 

Top Children’s School Shoes 

Clarks 

StartRite 

Hush Puppies 

Geox 

Lelli Kelly 


(in alphabetical order): Salamander 

Top Children’s Sandals 

Clarks 

StartRite 

Crocs 

Garvalin 

Salamander 


(in alphabetical order): FitFlop, Timberland 

A few retailers on our Best Sellers Panel had sales in July. Karen Little of Haswell Shoes, Nuneaton, told Footwear Today: 

“The weather had been a big factor in deciding how the month performed. The Sale was a ‘non-starter’, there are constant sales on in the big stores and it is difficult to get the general public to 

distinguish between these and the Genuine Sales held only twice a year by smaller independents. A speedy end to our sale (less than 2 weeks) followed and the clean, non-sale window displays 

have seen a renewed interest – we don’t all want to buy in the sales apparently! The clearance racks outside the shop still do their job – different customers – and are now helping to clear ‘some’ 

of the unsold ‘sale’ items. 

“We are now in the throes of ‘Back to School’ – let’s keep our fingers crossed that this landmark time is as good as expected and that parents put the health of their children’s feet in the hands 

of the professionals – not at the mercy of ‘self-fitted’ footwear.” 


Footwear Retailer of the month 

Cheryl Taylor talks to James North of North Shoes Ltd 

Name: North Shoes Ltd 

Shop(S): Bourne, 

Peterborough 

& Stamford 

Q&A: 

Home Town: Bourne, Lincs 

Family: Norths 

How did you get into footwear? 

Tell us about the history of your business? 

Our family shoe business is now being handled by the fifth generation of the 

North family and still trading from its original premises since 1876. 

William North began our shoe family dynasty from humble beginnings, as a 

shoemaker in Hacconby, Lincolnshire. While William was working as a 

shoemaker in his home village his wife Sarah spotted a property on a visit to 

nearby Bourne one day that she felt would be ideal for their needs. 

The couple bought the house in North Street in 1876, William was 32. 

He continued the shoemaking and repair business in Hacconby while Sarah 

looked after the shop in Bourne. In 1900 William moved into the Bourne 

premises, which became the family home and also the base for the business. 

42 • FOOTWEAR TODAY • MAY 2011 


James North 

At that time he had eight workers and Bourne, a small town with a 

population then of around 5,000, boasted no less than 15 other shoemakers 

and repairers. Eventually, William was unable to keep up with the demand 

and had to start buying in shoes – firstly from Norvic in Norwich, and then 

from Clarks in Northampton. 

William and Sarah had nine children – and it was their fourth son, 

Frank (Jack) North, who provided the second generation of North Shoes. 

THE Great War interrupted Frank’s arrival in the business. Although he 

worked alongside his father, Frank did not take over the running of it until 

around 1920. Frank guided the business through one of its toughest trading 

periods, safely negotiating the great Depression which gripped Britain for 

over 10 years from 1929.. 

Boot and shoemaking ended on the premises in around 1930 and from then 

on North Shoes relied entirely on footwear bought in from outside 

manufacturers – setting the trend for today. Despite the Depression and the 

impending Second World War, Frank invested in a new shop front in 1935 and 

almost doubled the shop floor space. 

World War Two meant that leather was scarce and a new delivery of 

footwear at North Shoes was a major event, with queues forming in North 

Street. In a clever marketing ploy Frank created the impression of a fully 

stocked shop by leaving empty shoeboxes on the shelves! 

Jack was joined by the third generation of Norths – Frederick John (John) – 

in 1946. The two worked alongside each other until Jack retired in 1955. 

John left school in 1939 and took up a four year apprenticeship with 

Norwich shoe manufacturers Norvic – but he was only able to pursue it for 

two years.

The Second World War intervened and John joined the RAF and then in India 

before joining North Shoes in 1946. John led the company for 40 years and 

was responsible for its first expansion, launching a shop in neighbouring 

Holbeach in 1960. They leased the property in the High Street for ten years, 

with John dividing his time between spending two days a week in Holbeach 

and the rest in Bourne. 

John retired from the business at the age of 84. He was joined by his elder 

son, my father, Roger North, in 1964 after Roger had completed two years’ 

training with Norvic and Clarks. 

As Bourne expanded, so did North Shoes. In the Sixties Bourne’s population 

grew and North Shoes needed to grow with it. By 1975 18 North Street had 

ceased to be the family home as the shop took over the building. It had 

begun life in 1876 as a six-bedroom property and had been the home for all 

five generations of the shoe dynasty. 

The need for more stock room meant that the upstairs flat, developed in 

1969, had to give way to storage as North Shoes increased their stock to 

keep up with customer demand. Roger worked alongside his father until 

John retired in 1986. Roger masterminded a modernisation of the shop, 

increasing the floor space yet again in the mid-Seventies and seeing off the 

threat of national retailers by offering a specialist, personal, service that 

allowed customers to get the correct footwear from a wider choice of 

manufacturers than other high street businesses could offer. 

In 1975 Roger and Michelle moved out of the upstairs flat as the shop was 

extended downstairs and upstairs was taken over by stock. Roger gradually 

took over the reins of the business in the early Seventies and Michelle took 

on the book-keeping responsibilities from John. 

By now my parents were visiting shoe trade events across Europe to keep 

abreast of fashions as North Shoes’ customer catchment area grew to take 

in Stamford, Peterborough and Sleaford and surrounding villages. 

More expansion followed in 1989 to meet demand. North Shoes was given a 

new shop front as the business took over the whole of the building’s ground 

floor frontage. 

Until 2006, when I joined the business, there was a danger that Roger’s 

retirement would mark the end of an era. But in 2008 my father handed over 

the reins to the fifth generation of Norths – something only two shoe 

businesses in the whole of the UK can better. 

Carrying on the family tradition for growth, we moved into Peterborough in 

March 2009 with the opening of Footprints in Westgate. The move saw the 

company re open an established shoe retailers in the city, employing a 

manageress and four part time members of staff. Continuing the further 

expansion, we opened a shop in Stamford in July 2011. 

Do you have an online shop/website and do you use social 

networking for business? 

Yes, we launched the North Shoes’ website www.northshoes.co.uk. 

The company’s website effectively its third ‘shop’ – in June 2009 and can 

now literally boast customers all over the globe. Also, use Facebook and 

Twitter. What William North began from Hacconby and took into Bourne in 

1876 is now reaching out across the world. 

How are you finding the footwear market currently? 

We are doing very well, because we offer quality customer service. 

What’s selling well? Any particular trends? Which are your best 

selling footwear brands – and why? 

Converse are very hot this Spring. Rieker and Loake are our best sellers. 

Any tips on stock offers, novel ideas for clearing lines or advice 

for independent shoe retailers who might be feeling the pinch? 

Clear lines on your webshop. 

What is your favourite men’s footwear brand/manufacturer – 

ditto ladies/children’s brand – and why? 

Men’s: Loake. Great price for the Quality. Ladies: Rieker, for quality and style. 

Children’s: Ricosta, quality and fit. 

How do you select your products – which criteria do you use / 

what are your customers looking for? 

Always quality that fits. 

Which footwear/fashion shows do you attend, how do you 

rate them? 

GDS, MICAM AND MODA 

Do you have a favourite footwear agent? 

We have some great reps! 

Have you always had a passion for footwear? How many pairs of 

shoes do you own? Do you have a favourite pair? 

Yes, it's in the blood. I own many pairs of Loakes, as well as other brands. 

And, the next step? Any plans for the future, new lines, 

retail systems/new technology, etc.? 

Always looking for something new! 

Contact Us: 

Bourne Shop - Tel: 01778-422886 

Stamford Shop - Tel: 01780-755400 

Peterborough Shop - Tel: 01733-313890 

Email: info@northshoes.co.uk 

www.northshoes.co.uk 


MARY PORTAS REPORT 

Breathing new life 

into the high street 

Following her appointment by Government to lead a Review of Britain's high streets, 

there has been a blaze of publicity surrounding Mary Portas and the changing face of 

UK retail. Becci Knowles reports on what's got everyone talking... 

In May last year, Prime Minister David Cameron 

appointed retail expert and TV personality 

Mary Portas to lead an independent review into 

the future of our high streets. The long awaited 

review was published in January and media 

commentators were quick to respond to the 

report’s findings - some questioned the 

Government’s motives in appointing a celebrity to 

lead such a project, while others looked in detail 

at the findings and found many of them to be 

contradictory. There is, however, also a huge 

amount of support for Portas’ vision for 

regeneration. 

In the foreword to the Review, Mary said: “I want 

to put the heart back into the centre of our High 

Streets, re-imagined as destinations for socialising, 

culture, health, wellbeing, creativity and learning. 

Places that will develop and sustain new and 

existing markets and businesses. The new High 

Streets won’t just be about selling goods.” 

While in a difficult economic climate - where 

shops stand empty and even long established 

names have ceased trading, it might be difficult 

to see this as any more than an ideal - a positive, 

pro-active response to regeneration is vital. Yes, 

our high streets have suffered from the 

increasing number of out of town shopping 

centres, the rise of the internet, increasing rents, 

rates, the credit crunch and recession…. but 

rather than believe everything we read about the 

44 • FOOTWEAR TODAY • MAY 2011 


‘death’ of the high street, should we not instead 

focus on a retail experience that can’t be 

matched elsewhere? 

Maria Leese of successful store Doris & Daisy 

agrees and is taking both the Review and the 

Government's response to it, with a pinch of salt: 

"The problem is, there are so many people looking 

after their own interests. Everything depends on 

how good your LA is. We would love our town 

“I want to put the heart back 

into the centre of our High 

Streets, re-imagined as 

destinations for socialising, 

culture, health, wellbeing, 

creativity and learning.” 

centre to have free parking, but of course the LA 

is not going to do that because they need the 

revenue. The business rates we pay are 

phenomenal and yet we can't even put out our 

cardboard out to be collected. That money goes 

to central government. So, it's all just passing the 

buck. We need some leadersip, for somebody to 

say, this is how it will be for the whole country. I 

do think they need to do something about the 

rates though, they are eyewatering! If farmers 

can be subsidised then I think local retailers 

should be subsidised too." 

The Government's response 

In the foreword to 'High streets at the heart of 

our communities: The Government's response to 

the Mary Portas Review' published in March, 

Prime Minister David Cameron said: "Mary’s 

review made the challenge crystal clear. Internet 

shopping and out-of- town shopping centres are 

not going to go away – they offer the convenience 

and choice that customers welcome. So for our 

high streets to thrive they must offer something 

new and different." 

In its response, the Government announced 

more Portas Pilots (including Town Teams tasked 

with bringing the high street back to life); a 

500,000 investment to help Business 

Improvement Districts access loans for their setup 

costs; a High Street Innovation Fund; and a 

£1m Future High Street X-Fund – to reward the 

areas delivering the most effective and 

innovative plans. 

In terms of rates, Rt. Hon Grant Shapps MP, 

Minister for Housing and Local Government 

promised to double the level of small business 

rate relief in England for two and a half years. 

He said: "We have made it easier for businesses to 

access the small business rate relief by removing 

the legal requirement for them to submit an 

application form; given them the option to spread 

the Retail Price Index increase on their rates bill 

over three years; and, through the Localism Act

2011, we have provided councils with new powers 

to introduce and fund local business rates 

discounts as they see fit." 

The Government also claims to be addressing 

issues with town planning, access, parking, and 

vacant properties in addition to the 

recommendation to encourage a contract of care 

between landlords and their commercial tenants 

by promoting the leasing code, and supporting 

the use of lease structures other than upward 

only rent reviews, especially for small businesses. 

Rhetoric or reality? 

Maria remains unconvinced: “As they see fit' is 

not the same as telling the LA to reduce rates. 

There is nothing mandatory there. It's all 

rhetoric, suggestions. We are in a BID bid in 

Winbourne, which is a market town and we have 

only got one empty shop. A year on and nothing 

has really been done. There are too many 

committees and sub committees. There should be 

a policy on reducing rates, or at least the money 

we pay should be used locally, for free parking, 

keeping the town clean and putting on 

entertainment for shoppers." 

Doris and Daisy is a very successful store, but 

making this happen day to day is by no means 

easy. "We offer fabulous customer service, have a 

transactional website, send out monthly 

newsletters and regularly change our stock. 

We offer a welcoming shopping experience that 

makes you feel great whether you buy with us or 

not. We are also open 7 days a week and as the 

only shop on our road that does, we do better on 

a Sunday than on a Monday." 

Rupert Eastell, Head of Retail at Chartered 

Accountants and Business Advisers, Baker Tilly, 

shares Maria's concerns: “Retailers are being 

squeezed by increased rates and reduced traffic, 

and something needs to be done to help our 

high streets. 

“The Portas report provides a call to action at a 

critical time. Regardless of whether you love her 

or hate her, Mary Portas’ report should stimulate 

debate about the future of the British high street 

and if it leads to just one high street making 

changes for the better, it will be a success. Portas 

makes sensible and deliverable recommendations 

in her report, but change is not down to her. 

If anything, it is clear that councils, community 

partnerships, local chambers of commerce and 

businesses must work together, take an honest 

look at their local high street, and make the tough 

decisions about the changes necessary for 

positive momentum.” 

Nigel Hamilton of Bishops Footwear offers quite 

a different view; "The biggest concern for 

footwear retailers, is the weather. It's been a 

tough year and although the economic climate is 

a factor, we really rely on a good run of weather 

to ensure a good season. Bishops has had a good 

start to Autumn with Back to School, all we need 

now is a nice cold frosty winter!" 

Errol Bayram, MD of PARES explains the 

problems that his business currently faces: 

"One of our stores is in Blackheath Village next to 

the station car park, which, during the Olympics 

was closed down. During this period we suffered a 

50-60% drop in sales with no relief offered by the 

council. We have three stores in three very 

different locations and where we have high 

footfall, the LA puts the parking up to increase 

revenue. So demand is being stifled. 

“There should be a policy on 

reducing rates, or at least the 

money we pay should be used 

locally, for free parking, keeping 

the town clean and putting on 

entertainment for shoppers." 

"Adult footwear is non essential so we have 

seen a drop in sales there. There is less of a 

recession in children's shoes as parents will 

always find the money from somewhere, but the 

adult side of the business has to make money too. 

If we are looking at rejuvenating our high streets 

we need to make them accessible for luxury 

goods and necessary items, offering variety in the 

shopping experience." 

Commenting on the Portas Review, Errol says: 

"It's all gimmicks - people want easy access to 

products. If any part of the shopping experience 

is difficult or boring, they will simply go online or 

to an out of town shopping centre where there is 

plenty of free parking. The consumer has more 

options now and the high street needs to step up 

and offer a similar level of choice and ease of 

access. The trouble is, local councils are dealing 

with a very different set of problems - their key 

incentives are to increase revenue and keep 

costs down." 

Market challenges and trends 

Kate Ormrod, Retail analyst at market research 

company Verdict, comments: "Footwear is a 

discretionary sector where spend can be deferred 

for adults, but less so for children, and consumers 

are putting unnecessary expenditure on hold, due 

to the financial uncertainty and possible job 

losses etc. We forecast volume and value growth 

to accelerate from 2013 as consumers start to feel 

more confident about making discretionary 

purchases as the economy recovers and the 

growth will be spurred on by players at the value 

end of the market, particularly as they can 

emulate both catwalk and high street fashion 

trends in footwear quickly and at a low price, 

which suits shoppers. 

Kate Ormrod 

"Independent footwear retailers need to 

showcase their knowledge and expertise – as this 

is something that non-specialists such as clothing 

retailers or grocers cannot achieve to the same 

level. They need to carefully consider the depth 

and breadth of their ranges, the quality and 

convenience they offer, in order to better compete 

with bigger retailers. Customer service is a key 

driver of loyalty for independents, so they also 

need to ensure they provide shoe-fitting services 

etc, and make shopping instore an enjoyable and 

easy experience, which should in turn encourage 

frequent return visits.” 

Encouraging impulse buys 

Kate continues: "Independent specialists may 

find it difficult to drive footfall as they are solely 

reliant on retailing in one product sector, giving 

consumers fewer reasons to visit stores. We are 

already seeing selected high street specialists 

such as Kurt Geiger and Dune developing their 

accessories’ offer, so perhaps this is something 

they could look into. Offering complementary 

ranges such as fashion accessories or shoe care 

items also encourages impulse purchases and 

increases spend per head.” 

Richard Perks, Director of Retail at market 

research company Mintel, believes that in 

principle the Review has got it right: "Mary 

Portas is absolutely spot on when she says that 

high streets that want to survive must invest. 

Ideas such as more markets are excellent, 

because they add more excitement to the high 

street. No-one owes a retailer a living. No-one 

owes a high street a living. Consumers go to 

where they are best served - and that is as true of 

retailers as it is of high streets. A high street that 

gets no investment has no future." 

Only time will tell if the Government's plans 

are as effective in practice as they sound on 

paper. In the meantime, all independent retailers 

can do is continue to offer the great customer 

service and product mix that separates them 

from the rest. 


GDS REVIEW 

GDS – international event 

for shoes & accessories 5 to 7 September 2012 

Sneakers, Celebrities and Events 

+ Sneakers most important trend story 

+ 69% retailers used GDS for ordering 

+ APICCAPS and GDS launch international compendium 

+ High-quality audience despite Lufthansa strike 

46 • FOOTWEAR TODAY • 

SEPTEMBER 2012

At GDS – international event for shoes & 

accessories 879 exhibitors from 38 

countries presented trends and looks for 

the 2013 Spring/Summer order season. Add to 

this 360 exhibitors at the GLOBAL SHOES held 

concurrently at the Exhibition Centre. 

The highlights of this GDS were clearly the 

various events and numerous celebrities. In 

addition to the GDS catwalk shows Hall 2 housed 

two further events. The first saw star chef Tim 

Mälzer unveil the first traditionally crafted and yet 

100% compostable leather shoe for Snipe while at 

the second the Consorzio Maestri Calzaturieri del 

Brenta celebrated its 35th anniversary with a 

dedicated runway show. 

In addition to Tim Mälzer visitors also met 

Bonnie Strange at the trade fair - as a model of 

the opening show - and actress Julia Dietze. Nina 

Bott represented ART at GDS. And while extreme 

sportsman Joey Kelly credibly described how the 

new outsole "Bergal Flex 77" significantly 

improves movement, Daniela Katzenberger 

succeeded in landing a hit with her Romika 

collection in front of the assembled press despite 

teeteringly high heels. 

"Joining forces with our exhibitors we have 

made sure over the past few years that shoe 

fashions obtain ever growing media coverage. 

We are the only shoe trade fair to organise 

catwalk shows - which is why the latest shoe 

styles get almost as much exposure on TV as the 

apparel at a Fashion Week. This benefits the shoe 

sector as a whole," explains Kirstin Deutelmoser, 

Director of GDS and Global Shoes. 

Sneakers Key Trend Story 

In a qualified survey polling GDS visitors, 

sneakers were stated as the most important trend 

for the coming summer. While visitors from 

abroad clearly favour fashion sneakers, German 

retailers rate original sneakers and their highfashion 

counterparts in equal measure. 

The second-most important trend is colour 

accents where colours – in particular fluorescent 

neon – are only used to highlight. Retailers’ 

answers to colour also reflected this: alongside 

the indispensable black, neutrals, nude and beige 

tones are the strongest colours for next summer. 

Also important: blue, turquoise and red shades. 

One interesting difference between Germany 

and other countries was noted: while domestic 

retailers focus on powder and pastel shades for 

the coming summer foreign visitors place more 

emphasis on white, green and olive. 

In terms of materials, smooth nappa and 

suede/nubuck continue to be the key materials, 

as was expected. With the summer season canvas 

will herald a comeback. Also more in demand are 

embossed or printed materials. Germany will also 

see noticeably more glitter and effect materials 

than abroad. 

69% Retailers used GDS for Orders 

The survey also showed that the atmosphere 

among retailers was rather subdued due to the 

retail sales for the 2012 Spring/Summer season. 

Most retailers stated that business fell short of 

summer 2011 sales or was on a par at best. 

One third of retailers polled plan to reduce their 

order volumes for Spring/Summer 2013 due to 

the economic situation. Nevertheless, this time 

69% of retailers (compared with 65% at the 

March event) stated they had placed and/or would 

place an order at GDS. 

APICCAPS and GDS launch International 

Compendium 

All new: For the first time the Year Book of 

APICCAPS will be published in partnership with 

GDS. 2011 saw the Association publish the 

Yearbook for the first time, thereby documenting 

developments in the global footwear industry. 

“For years we have analysed and compiled 

evidence-based information on the global 

footwear sector. We want to enhance this market 

insight in cooperation with GDS and make it 

available to an even wider professional audience,” 

says João Maia of the APICCAPS Study Centre. 

High-quality Audience despite Lufthansa Strike 

GDS has consolidated its ranking as an 

international trade fair – roughly half the visitors 

came from abroad and a total of 100 countries. 

Shoes are also gaining importance as an 

extension to fashion ranges. Here, GDS 

increasingly serves as a leading fair, since this 

time clearly more fashion retailers found their 

way to Düsseldorf than in previous years. 

Due to the nationwide strike called by the cabin 

crew organisation (UFO) the national carrier 

Lufthansa was forced to cancel 141 flights from/to 

Düsseldorf on the last day of the trade fair which 

had a major impact on the attendance figures of 

GDS. The trade fair registered in excess of 22,500 

trade visitors in total, of which the majority were 

top managers. Explaining the consequences 

Werner Matthias Dornscheidt, President & CEO of 

Messe Düsseldorf, said: “The massive disruptions 

in air traffic not only affected our exhibitors’ 

departure on the last day of the fair but also, 

unfortunately, prevented some trade visitors from 

gathering information at GDS. It is unfortunate 

that many business opportunities were lost in this 

way. All the more positive to note is that the 

percentage of purchasing decision-makers at GDS 

remained as high as before.” 

Exhibitor Testimonials regarding Events at GDS: 

Heiner Terbuyken, CEO of Gabor on the Snipe 

100 Event: 

“GDS proved the perfect “launching pad” 

for our all-compostable shoe. We received 

plenty of support for the show on the part of the 

trade fair and this paid off: be this on TV, radio or 

in the print media – Snipe 100 and Tim Mälzer 

were omnipresent.” 

Carl-August Seibel, President of Josef Seibel 

Holding GmbH on the Romika PR campaign: 

“Romika already enjoyed high recognition levels 

before enlisting Daniela Katzenberger. But we 

wanted to “dust down” the brand and succeeded 

in doing so with the help of this “it” girl. And 

sales-wise the collection is also a success story. 

We already realised last year that an important 

launch like this has to be held at GDS. This is 

where all the big and important retailers go. 

Apart from that, I think it’s great when the press 

‘beats the drum’ making an event restricted to 

trade visitors also known outside the industry.” 

Siro Bardon, President of “Consorzio Maestri 

Calzaturieri del Brenta” on the Anniversary: 

“We have been represented at GDS on a joint 

stand for 35 years now, because Northern Europe 

and Germany, in particular, are very important 

markets for us. This is why I thank Messe 

Düsseldorf and in particular Kirstin Deutelmoser 

for their support over the past 5 years and, more 

specifically, for the great organisation of our 

catwalk show.” 

All activities related to GDS 

and GLOBAL SHOES 

can be found online at: 

www.gds-online.com 

www.globalshoes-online.com 


RETAIL TECHNOLOGY 

Ten tips 

to buying 

a shoe 

or apparel 

retail system 

By Eugenio Leijten, Executive Director, Retail Technology Ltd. 

1. Start with the end in mind. 

Ultimately, any retail management system should 

be able to produce clear and accurate reports as 

after all, this is the reward for all the hard work in 

logging your sales and stock movement 

transactions. Therefore, when looking at any 

system, make sure you insist on a comprehensive 

demo of a system’s reporting capability. 

2. Apparel is rather different. 

A camera shop’s sales report is pretty simple 

compared to a sales report for shoes and apparel. 

These items come in different colours, sizes, 

fabrics, width fittings, cup sizes etc etc. This 

requires further sophistication in the way the 

reports are set up or generally in the way you look 

at a style’s performance on screen. Most systems 

are simply incapable or totally inept at, for 

example; producing a sales report by 

style/colour/size. 

3. A system must pay for itself. 

Deployment of a system is only then justified if it 

helps you to achieve either a bigger stock turn, 

increased sales and/or margins or less markdown 

or of course all of these. If you have a turnover of 

£750,000 and your aim is to achieve a two 

percent increase on your achieved margin of 50% 

then a system should not cost you more than 

£15,000 a year. 

4. How financially strong is your system supplier? 

Investing in a system from a company that is 

insolvent is risky! This seems obvious but a quick 

analyses on www.companycheck.co.uk will give you 

an instant insight, free of charge, on what your 

system supplier’s financial state is. You would be 

amazed at how many system suppliers are simply 

insolvent or very close to it. If they go under, 

chances are that your new investment will too! 


5. How about support for your chosen system? 

When buying a system you enter into a 

relationship with your supplier for quite a few 

years. A happy relationship is directly related to 

how good your supplier’s support provisions are. 

To start with the basics; is there a manual for the 

system? If it’s not there now, it’s unlikely it will be 

there when you take delivery of the system. 

Can you phone for support and immediately talk 

to a support technician? Can you get instant 

answers? If support costs are low, chances are 

that the support desk’s response to your queries 

will take a while if you get an answer at all. You 

get what you pay for! 

6. e-Commerce capability 

To have a web presence is now nearly 

unavoidable for the vast majority of retailers. 

Therefore you need to be able to integrate a web 

store with your general retail system rather than 

having to maintain two separate sets of data. 

Besides that, you want to be able to deploy 

techniques of your choice without being locked 

into a system that doesn’t meet with the 

experience you want your customers to be able 

to enjoy. Very important also is that what you sell 

on line is what you can deliver. 

Therefore your stock position must be able to be 

updated instantly or at least regularly throughout 

the day. 

7. Customer loyalty program 

Just like the need to be able to sell on the web, 

the ability to run a customer loyalty program is 

becoming increasingly important. 

To gain a new customer is harder work (and costs 

more) than retaining existing ones. Loyalty 

programs can make a huge difference in retaining 

a customer but also for them to spend more 

money with you. 

8. Interface with suppliers 

Does your major supplier offer an automated 

stock fill-up system? If they do, chances are that 

you could gain excellent benefits from linking 

your system to theirs. Is your chosen system 

capable of doing that? Ask whether existing users 

are already doing this. 

9. Save on tedious data entry 

Data entry can be long winded and tedious. Is the 

system of your choice capable of simply importing 

a catalogue file? If it is then it saves you hours of 

tedious data input, increases accuracy and there’s 

no need to print your own barcode labels. 

10. Talk to users 

Last but not least: The proof of the system is in 

improved retail performance! How are other users 

faring? Do they like the system in every-day use? 

Are they able to make use of reports? Are they 

getting good support? Is the supplier delivering 

what it promises? Most important of all; is their 

system making them more efficient! 

Contact: Eugenio Leijten 

Tel: +44 845 450 4905 

Fax: +44 845 450 4915 

DDI: +44 1458 271 871 

M: +44 7540 722 337 

Skype: eugenio_leijten 

Email: eugenio@rtl-mail.com 

Web: www.rtl-world.com

CLASSIFIED 

To advertise please contact John Andrews on 01622 699135 or Sue Wiseman on 01622 699185 

RECRUITMENT 

Gino Vaello are looking for Agents for all 

parts of the UK to grow their business 

selling their ladies’ Spanish shoe collection. 

The successful applicant must be well 

established with their own client base. 

Please forward your CV to 

swiseman@datateam.co.uk 

CANVAS SHOES/PLIMSOLLS 

John Robinsons Ltd 

Suppliers specialising in Plimsoles and Canvas 

Footwear to the Multiples / Wholesalers. 

Instock Availability. 

Tel: 0151 920 7373 

Lesley’s Mobile: 07769 185999 

Andrew’s Mobile: 07770 978199 

Email: info@jer.uk.com 

COSYFEET EXTRA ROOMY 

CHILDREN’S FOOTWEAR 


COMPUTER SYSTEMS 

Retail Systems 

Designed by Retailers 

Established in 1990, Eurostop specialise in 

Retail Systems for Fashion, Footwear and 

Sportswear retailers in the UK and overseas 

Providing a complete and integrated solution 

including Head Office Stock Control, EPOS 

systems, Business Intelligence and 

customised Webshops. 

To find out how we can 

help your business contact 

Eurostop Ltd by email: 

sales@eurostop.co.uk 

or on 020 8991 2700 

www.eurostop.co.uk

DANCO FOOTWEAR 

Importers, Exporters & Wholesalers 

offering a wide range of Rsb Children’s 

Footwear 

• Winter Boots 

• Back to School Shoes 

• Summer Sandals 

• Wide range of Party Shoes 

• Flower Girl & Page Boy Shoes 

Email: dancofoot@aol.com 

www.dancofootwear.com 

MTO and export enquiries 

Contact Raj on 07860 464072 


Visit our Cash and Carry or call us for a Catalogue 

124 Shoreditch High Street, London E1 6JE 

Tel: 020 7613 5076 Fax: 020 7613 5078 


To book your classified advertisement in 


on 01622 699185 or email swiseman@datateam.co.uk

MEN & WOMEN 

FINNAMIC 


HEALTHY FOOTWEAR 

THAT PROMOTES FITNESS 

AND WELL-BEING 

The Finnamic shoe reduces 

pressure while walking, 

accompanies and carries 

you through the day 

Finnamic shoes are personal trainers for your feet. Gentle on joints, knees, disks and spine, 

they help tone and strengthen muscles to make you fit for the day’s demands. Even around the 

clock. Step by step the convex sole design help increase strength and stamina. 

1. Rockered soles for gentle and 

cushioned walking 

2. Wide and flat mid-section for 

secure and relaxed standing 

3. Rockered forefoot section 

encourages a natural heel-to-toe 

motion 

UK Distributor: ShoeMed tel: 01789 207453 Lisa Preston 07703 608294 

COMFORT FOOTWEAR 

DISTRIBUTORS 

Beta Shoes 01753 822500 info@betashoes.co.uk www.betashoes.co.uk 

Unit 15, Slough Interchange Industrial Estate, Slough, Berkshire SL2 5EP

Core Trading UK Ltd 

Wholesalers of Ladies’ High Fashion Footwear 

For all enquiries please Tel: 01706 220535 Fax: 01706 220539 

email: coreshoes@live.co.uk or simply come and visit 

at Unit 1 Warth Mill, Old TNT Building, Bacup Road, 

Waterfoot, Rawtenstall, Lancs BB4 7JA 

Web: www.coreshoes.com 

Haworth Footwear 

Call in at our cash & carry 

or visit our web page. 

The web page is updated 

weekly with all the 

latest offers. 

We also manufacture a 

large range of latex 

foam insoles. 

We are open 8am till 5pm 

Monday to Friday. 

Haworth Footwear 

Union Mill, Bacup Road, Rawtenstall, Rossendale, Lancashire BB4 7JN 

Tel: 01706 830406 Fax: 01706 219233 

www.haworthfootwear.com 

DISTRIBUTORS

IMPORTERS, EXPORTERS & WHOLESALERS 

LADIES’ FASHION 

Unit 3 

Myrtle Grove Mill, 

Lench Road, 

Waterfoot, 

Rossendale, 

Lancashire, 

BB4 7JJ 

Tel:01706 229909 

Fax: 01706 221144 

LADIES’ FASHION

‘Specialist supplier of Sexy Boots and Shoes in sizes 3/36 to 12/45’s’ 

Tel: 0116 2669926 Fax: 0116 2680011 

email: bcm.irwin@gmail.com 

www.erosella.co.uk 

BCM IMPORTS LIMITED Byford Road Leicester LE4 0DG 

Exclusively Distributed in the UK & Ireland by PHILDON FOOTWEAR LTD 

2 Gunnery Terrace, The Royal Arsenal, Woolwich, London SE18 6SW. 

Telephone: 020 8309 8880 

Contact: Mike Donovan - mike@phildon.net 

LADIES’ FASHION 

All that glitters 

Telephone: 01670 716878 

www.lunarshoes.co.uk

LADIES’ FASHION LEATHER & SHEEPSKIN 

Poze Shoe and Bag Wholesaler 

123 Barr Street, Hockley, Birmingham BR19 3DE 

Tel: 0121 554 5444 Mobile: 07930 311409 

We will offer you: 

� �� 

with excellent margins 

� �� 

� �� 

�� 

Designed by Europeans 

for European fi tting. 

Manufactured using ‘green’ 

renewable energy. 

OUTDOOR FOOTWEAR 

To visit the showroom or book a sales appointment, 

call: 01670 716878, fax: 01670 716858, 

email: info@grs-footwear.co.uk, 

or visit: www.grisport.co.uk

SHOECARE & ACCESSORIES 

“Innovative Shoe Care Products Crafted By The Past Masters” 

Granger�s International Ltd, DE55 4QT 

+44(0) 1773 521521 www.shoe-polish.com 

www.dunkelman.com 

MEN’S FOOTWEAR 

For all your 

shoecare needs 

QUALITY & EXPERTISE 

Quality 

Leather 

Care 

www.euroleathers.com 

tel: 01604 843 740 

sales@euroleathers.com 

SHOECARE & ACCESSORIES 

QUALITY Q UALIT Y & EXPERTISE 

Footbeds | 

Insoles | Gel Produc Products cts 

www.euroleathers.com www. euroleathhers.com 

tel: 01604 843 740 7740 

sales@euroleathers.com 

sales@@euroleathers.com 

To book your 

classified advertisement in 


on 01622 699185 

or email 

swiseman@datateam.co.uk

SHOPFITTING & DISPLAY SHOPFITTING & DISPLAY 

Individually made display units 

MORE SALES = MORE PROFIT 

Choice of size : Choice of material 

Prices to include delivery and installation 

Turn 1 sq mtr of floor space into a quality unit to 

display up to 60 shoes 

For more information 

e-mail: ganderdesign@hotmail.com 

www.ganderdesign.co.uk 

Tel: 0783 181 1008 

Ask for a free copy of our latest Catalogue 

Freefone 0800 435 333 

or buy online at morplan.com 

Are you buying 

The Best ? 

SLIPPERS 

Main stockists: 

UK Distributors Ltd, Leicester 0116 2403232 

G.R.S Footwear Ltd, Cramlington 01670 716878 

Gardiner Bros. Ltd, Gloucester 01452 727300 

TRAINING & COURSES 

RETURNS WANTED 

WANTED 

Clearance - End of lines 

samples - rejects, imperfect footwear, 

worn returns for export, 

small shops clearance stock 

Top prices paid ££££ 

Based in London and South East 

Call Frank Pittal - Lorna Shoes Ltd (Est 1974) 

07733 192188 

email:shoeboyuk@hotmail.com 

www.comfylux.co.uk

SHOPFITTING & DISPLAY 

The Society of 

Shoe Fitters 

will help you 

sell shoes that 

won’t come 

back ... 

to people who will. 

Our members are 

true professionals and 

we are proud to promote 

them and network with 

trade, media and 

health experts. 

Next course starts 

1st October. 

Membership application 

for experienced Fitters. 

GIVE YOUR STAFF THE BEST�EDUCATION 

Email: secretary@shoefitters-uk.org 

Tel: 01953 851171 

www.shoefitters-uk.org 

Student of the Year 2011 

David O’Dwyer, 

Cushyfeet, Limerick 

WHOLESALERS, IMPORTERS & EXPORTERS 

WELLIES

GG.H Warner Footwear secures distribution for Grendene brands ...

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