AGENT PROFILE
Q&A - Cheryl Taylor talks to footwear agent Martin Ward Name: Martin Ward Brands: Paco Herrero; Mocasines Pastoret; LUXAX, Vitti Love Home town: Cheltenham Family: 3 lovely daughters + 2 beautiful grand-children. Contact details: mobile: 07778 595508 email:
martinwardfootwear@hotmail.co.uk
T ell us about your background?
How did you get into the footwear trade? When my parents met they were working in shoe retail and they continued in it throughout their working lives. Naturally, I was influenced by this "shoe-orientated" environment and so, after completing my Business Studies course, I joined Clarks Retail in Street Somerset in 1971.
After 3 years there I joined "The Chelsea Cobbler" in London, where I learned a lot about fashion and design from Richard Smith. When the Rayne group took over in 1979 I was thankfully head- hunted by "Midas of London"… an exciting time followed, as I was then working with the very talented Linda Turner.
In 1983 a very well respected agent, John Cavallito, offered me the chance to join him as a partner in his agency business. I joined him without hesitation in September 1983 and we worked together until his retirement in 1990, at the age of 70. I have thus spent the last 41 years trying to understand this ever-changing trade.
T
ell us about your brands? I am very pleased to represent four Spanish brands:
Paco Herrero...famous for their lovely range of BOOTS at very commercial prices. 100% of their production is made in Spain so the quality/fitting elements are assured. Also, very good makers of casual shoes.
Mocasines Pastoret...famous for hand-sewn MOCASSINS at exceptional prices. Unbelievable range of colours and materials offered to ensure every buyer’s dream can come true!!
And, your customers? What sort of retailers do you supply? My customers are generally speaking the regulars, both independents and multiples, who loyally buy from well-known and reliable agents. Of course, each season there are some new businesses opening and I do enjoy giving as much guidance as possible to these new-comers.
How are you finding the footwear market currently? What’s selling well? Currently retail is very hard for the established firms, so new people need all the advice they can get. I have found that well-made leather boots have sold well in the UK and so I am optimistic that Paco Herrero's customers will have another great season.
30 • FOOTWEAR TODAY • MARCH 2012
LUXAX...new to the UK market. Although this brand name has existed in the past this collection is coming from the new generation of Spanish entrepreneurs and designers: young people who have understood the mistakes of the past and want to rebuild their industry in their country. "Stylish footwear for everyday" is the best way to describe this
product...and it answers many requests. The buyers involved in the development of this first range have all given full backing to the direction it is taking.
What’s your favourite men's footwear brand and ladies footwear brands? My favourite men’s footwear brand is Belstaff. My favourite ladies brands...apart from my own!!
...are Chie Mihara and Pons Quintana. Both are Spanish and they demonstrate what is possible when style, quality and taste come together.
What did you listen to on your last car journey? I always listen to Radio 4 or Classic FM when on the road: Radio 4 supplies a constant stream of wonderful plays, analyses and humorous interludes. Classic FM is easy listening for the Older Generation.
Vitti Love: This boot collection caused a real sensation last season.........lovely models on perfect lasts at UNBELIEVABLE PRICES. Stylish all-leather knee boots for under ¤55.00. Deliveries of repeats are very quick so last year many customers were able to make two or three repeats during the season. This year the range has been expanded as customers want much more from this exceptional factory. All the boots are made in their own factory in Elche.
What’s your biggest achievement? My biggest achievement to date is surviving!! Looking ahead I am planning only one more achievement: a soft landing!
Who is your role model? My role model has to be my father, Leslie Ward, a shoe man through-and-through who worked very hard to give his family the best chances possible. When at work, he was a tough task-master but scrupulously fair and honest. When at home, he was a loving and kind family man, always thinking of others. He will be 90 years old this March!! (Who said that the Shoe Trade is a killer??).
Martin Ward is co-organiser of the widely acclaimed Kensington Shoe Event, a twice yearly show featuring medium to high grade footwear from top European factories. The next Event is being held at The Westbury Mayfair Hotel, March 18th-20th
www.thekensingtonshoeevent.co.uk
Footwear Today Magazine would like to wish Martin’s dad, Leslie Ward, a very Happy
90th Birthday on 24th March 2012
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