Three members of staff have successfully completed the Society of Shoefitters course and alongside myself are qualified to fit shoes. Nuneaton is a market town – Wednesday half market, Saturday full market – and is rated as the largest town in Warwickshire. Haswell Shoes Ltd is located in the town centre, beside the statue of George Eliot and has been on the site since 1947.
3. Do you have an online shop/website and do you use social networking for business? We do not have a website but we do have a ‘new’ facebook page ‘Haswells Nuneaton.’
4. How are you finding the footwear market currently? The current market is very challenging! Everyone is looking for a bargain – no one seems to want to pay full price for anything. We are often asked “What’s the best price you can do?” or “Are you sure it won’t be in the sale?” Would they ask the same in the big high street stores??
5. What’s selling well? Any particular trends? Which are your best selling footwear brands – and why? A good question! This can change ‘with the weather’ and the price! Regular stock sales vary greatly depending on the weather etc but it seems that the impulse buys continue to hold their own – price it ‘low’ and it will sell. The mix of brands we stock all do a good job in ‘specific’ areas. Ara – A mix of styles and fittings, formal shoes, casual shoes, boots, sandals, offering quality and style at competitive prices. Van Dal – Court Shoes that are a bit special as well as a range of mid priced courts. Rohde – Quality and competitive prices for casual shoes, boots and sandals. Hush Puppies – lovely competitively priced ladies and gents shoes complement the range of childrens shoes with their ‘fit right, fit left fitting system’. Start-rite – Childrens shoes in whole and half sizes and a range of width fittings. Clarks – Childrens shoes in whole and half sizes and a range of width fittings. Loake – Formal shoes for men at competitive prices DB (Easy B) – we are ‘Gold Stockists’, we stock the specialist end of DB (2E – 8E fit) for wider than average feet. Waldlaufer – Our newest brand and a stylish answer for wider than average feet. Dr Martens – traditional black DM shoes and boots, coloured 1460 boots and a limited range of their more ‘modern’ styles are steady sellers. Gardiner Bros – not to forget these fabulous wholesalers who I can rely on for well priced reasonable quality shoes and for those every day things (Wellingtons, slippers etc).
6. Does your shop sell other items besides footwear
gloves, tights, socks, below the ankle products? We sell handbags to match the Van Dal shoes.
7 . Any difficulties/problems?
Historic figures are now only a very loose guide to what trade to expect in any given period so we have thrown out the rulebooks and think on our feet – trying to respond to situations as they present themselves. Cash flow is the biggest enemy.
8. Any tips on stock offers, novel ideas for clearing lines or advice for independent shoe retailers who might be feeling the pinch? Last year we introduced a bargain/clearance stand outside the shop, personally I dislike it intensely, but it works. People who would not normally shop with us are tempted by the bargains displayed, the plus side is that a few now shop within the shop as well.
9. What is your favourite men’s footwear brand/manufacturer – ditto ladies/
children’s brand – and why? The brands we stock, of course! See comments on 5 above. , bags,
10. How do you select your products – which criteria do you use / what are your customers looking for? The products we stock are selected by using my knowledge of our customer needs and requirements, I spend a lot of time on the shop floor listening, observing and talking to customers as well as selling shoes.
11. Which footwear /fashion shows do you attend,
how do you rate them? I find that visiting the MODA show at the NEC gives me a good feel for trends and colours that cannot be gained from catalogues. It’s always good to have a browse and recognise whether the brands I currently stock are ‘on the money’
12. Do you have a favourite footwear agent? I have high praise for all the agents I deal with, but if I have to choose Peter Ashton – Ara - for his honesty and loyalty Steve Smith – Loake, Waldlaufer - for being prepared to offer sound advice when needed Hellen Cooper – Rohde - for her enthusiasm and support Chris Holland – Gardiner Bros for his down to earth attitude and understanding of small business needs
13. Have you always had a passion for footwear? How many pairs of shoes do you own? Do you have a favourite pair? I love to wear nice shoes but I never seem to have a pair for long as I am very heavy on shoes. I usually have 2 work pairs (these have to be replaced very regularly), 2-3 out of work, 2prs of boots (one pr casual, one pr dress) and a pair of slippers.
14. Any famous customers? In years past the lovely Larry Grayson was a customer and currently Kay Alexander (Newsreader on BBC Midlands today) and Paul Broadhurst (Golfer)
15. And, the next step? Any plans for the future, new lines, retail systems/new technology, etc.? No great changes. Just to Keep Smiling, offering first class customer service, survive the current economic climate and to carry on loving the job we do!
APRIL 2012 • FOOTWEAR TODAY
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