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NEWS
Could you benefit from
National Shoe Fitting Week?
Jan Parry
President
6 • FOOTWEAR TODAY • SEPTEMBER 2012
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.
www.footweartoday.co.uk