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CONTENTS FROM THE EDITOR


T Ecommerce


he Internet features widely in this month’s edition of Footwear Today. Agent Provocateur kicks off with the question: “How many of you retailers out there in the big wide world of retail have an online business at present? Do you believe that an online presence is important to you? If not, what are your reasons for


not doing so? (answers can be longer than a postcard).” Larger stores have been successfully selling online for the last few


years, but the majority of small businesses are now finding their way into “ecommerce” too, either promoting the shop locality and goods, or indeed providing an on-line store to sell from. You don’t have to be that computer literate to venture into this surreal environment, there is lots of free help available, so if you haven’t already done so, you should give it serious consideration, lets face it, if you don’t do it now, your competitors are almost certainly doing it! If you want to improve your online presence, Steve Barnes, CEO of


the leading online search specialists, Infoserve, offers a beginner’s guide to online marketing. Raising the profile of your footwear business is essential, not only for retaining regular shoppers, but also drawing customers away from competitors. As more and more people turn to searching the internet, it’s definitely worth asking where your business would feature on any search. If you’re not easily found, the chances are your competitors around the corner will be and you could be losing out. Meanwhile, The Society of Shoe Fitters is concerned about the


number of children’s shoes being purchased over the web adversely affecting feet and foot health, leading to an increase in visits to GP’s and podiatrists in the future. “There is no substitute for taking your children to a reputable shoe shop to see a qualified shoe fitter and allowing them to assess the right size and fitting shoe suitable for your child”, says Laura West, Secretary of the SSF. Now it’s June and festival time again and there’s nothing like black


rubber and high heels to pull in the customers! Fashion writer Dawn Smith tests the WedgeWelly and discovers they’re not just for looking good in the mud. The creators of the WedgeWelly dreamed up the idea for these innovative rubber boots while discussing what to wear for the Glastonbury festival. They didn’t see why a girl had to ditch her beloved heels just to keep her socks dry. A few beers later, and the idea for the WedgeWelly was born: a designer welly with a heel, a welly with attitude, a welly for the 21st century. Have you ever arrived at the beach and in your enthusiasm to get to


the water’s edge rushed headlong over the sand dunes – only to find, when you reach the sea, that your shoes are full of sand? You can imagine how full your shoes would get if you were running in the desert! In search of inspiration, our intrepid footwear reporter Henry Harington hops on a plane to Saudi Arabia to test the Desert shoe produced by UK Gear. If further proof of the continuing demise of the towering ‘it’ shoe


were necessary, you need look no further than the pages of Footwear Today. Our exciting new Fashion Trends section, produced in association with leading fashion trend analysis company Trendstop.com, brings you a taste of Spring/Summer 2011. Exploring a need for a pared down minimalism better suited to the lingering economic stance, orthopaedic austerity reigns supreme. Characterised by simple details, from a well placed buckle to stitch down construction, the sensible sandal is refreshingly unassuming… Enjoy!


Best regards, Cheryl Taylor - Editor Tel: 0044(0)1622 862962 Email: cheryltayloreditor@googlemail.com


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NEWS MISFIT AGENT PROVOCATEUR FOOTWEAR FOCUS ROAD TEST BOUTIQUE CHIC EDITOR’S CHOICE PURE


THE BLACKPOOL SHOW FASHION TRENDS INTERNET MARKETING CHILDREN’S FOOTWEAR FASHION LAW FOOTWEAR TECHNOLOGY LEGAL


FRONT COVER: ARA ARA Goretex boot, Munchen


(48523) in Brown, part of ARA’s top selling Goretex collection for men


and women, which are perfect for Autumn weather guaranteed to keep feet warm and dry.


For more details contact ARA


at Ashton Associates on 01953 859900, or enquiries@ashton-associates.com


Inside this issue: • Childrens Footwear • Chic Review • Men’s Casuals • Pure Preview • Festival Wellies • Internet Marketing


24th


25th


& 26th


July 2010


www.footweartoday.co.uk


JUNE/JULY 2010


EDITOR Cheryl Taylor: cheryltayloreditor@googlemail.com CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Adam Bernstein FEATURE WRITERS: Henry Harington Dawn Smith Vicky Kember Joe Maggio Dave West ADVERTISEMENT MANAGER John Andrews: 01622 699135 jandrews@datateam.co.uk SENIOR SALES EXECUTIVE Sue Wiseman 01622 699185 swiseman@datateam.co.uk DESIGNER Siobhan Nolan and Steve Parks ADMINISTRATION Ellie Straton PUBLISHER Paul Ryder: pryder@datateam.co.uk


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.


To receive your own regular copy of footwear today, please visit www.footweartoday.co.uk/registration


JUNE/JULY 2010 • FOOTWEAR TODAY


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