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CONTENTS


FROM THE EDITOR Best Sellers


S


ome exciting news, by way of a ‘heads up’ for our readers who are independent footwear retailers… We are starting a new column in Footwear Today in the New Year. Called Best Sellers,


we will be consulting a panel of footwear retailers from around the country to canvass opinions on their star performers. Those chosen to participate will be invited to email us each month informing us of their best sellers, to be reported in the magazine. Categories will include children’s, ladies, men’s, fashion and comfort footwear. In return for their help, we will be featuring a Retailer of the Month


page, including a detailed profile on each of the retailers on our panel in turn, throughout the year. We promise not to discriminate against anyone on the grounds of size or turnover, but retailers who would like to be considered must have a wide range of brands. I will be contacting retailers over the next month or so, but would


very much like to hear from those people who would be interested in taking part. As always, we would also welcome your comments and suggestions to me ctaylor@datateam.co.uk Meanwhile, check out our dedicated Footwear Industry Awards


website at http://www.footwearindustryawards.com/. The Footwear Industry Award seeks to recognise those in the industry who display innovation and forward thinking, alongside traditional sales and business acumen. Organised by Datateam Business Media for the industry, with the support of BFA, IFRA, Society of Shoe Fitters and Footwear Today, the event promises to be an enthralling evening, held on the first night of the Moda Show - at the 4-star Forest of Arden Hotel. Preferential rates apply. Prices: £120 for a double room B&B; £110 for a single room B&B. Whether your company is big or small, a huge multi store or one


store retailer, we want to receive your nomination. Please follow this link, <http://www.footwearindustryawards.com/nominations>, complete the details and then click submit. Your notification will be automatically be sent to us. All voting will be performed online, with readers of Footwear Today deciding who will win each category. Tickets for the event are now available. The early bird rate of £90 per person ends 1st December; the standard rate is £102; £900 for a table of 10. More about the Awards on pages 4 - 10. Finally, last, but not least, check out our review of the highly


successful Kensington Shoe Event held which closed its doors on September 27th. The event never fails to impress, with its fabulous ranges and comfortable hotel setting, situated in the heart of prime central London. This season the Event was held at The Westbury Mayfair, Conduit Street, a prestigious West End venue that proved hugely popular with exhibitors and visitors alike. The comments from the exhibitors speak for themselves on page 24 We’ve also selected some show-stoppers for your delectation. In our January edition, we’ll be featuring a stunning array of socks and the best of ladies boots for 2012 and beyond. Meanwhile, may I take this opportunity to wish all our readers a Happy Christmas and a very healthy and prosperous New Year!


Kind regards, Cheryl Taylor,


Editor, Footwear Today Tel: 01622 862962


Email: ctaylor@datateam.co.uk


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NEWS MISFIT AGENT PROVOCATEUR FOOTWEAR FOCUS WHOLESALER PROFILE EDITOR’S CHOICE (KIDS) OUTDOOR FOOTWEAR KENSINGTON REVIEW IFRA


SEMLER COMPANY PROFILE SAFETY FOOTWEAR THE BLACKPOOL SHOW


FRONT COVER: SEMLER NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011


“Stylish, comfortable footwear – that’s what we stand for”


Summer collection available for


viewing and orders still being taken. Contact Lisa on 07703 608294 or lisa-semler@hotmail.co.uk


Inside this issue: Footwear Friends Awards • Wholesaler Profile – Wembley Footwear Editor’s Choice – Children’s Footwear • Kensington Review • IFRA


EDITOR Cheryl Taylor: ctaylor@datateam.co.uk CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Adam Bernstein FEATURE WRITERS: Henry Harington Dawn Smith Vicky Kember Joe Maggio


JOURNAL MANAGER John Andrews: 01622 699135 jandrews@datateam.co.uk ADVERTISEMENT MANAGER Sue Wiseman: 01622 699185 swiseman@datateam.co.uk DESIGNER Steve Parks ADMINISTRATION Ellie Inchmore PUBLISHING DIRECTOR Paul Ryder: pryder@datateam.co.uk


www.footweartoday.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.


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


NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011 • FOOTWEAR TODAY


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