NEWS
Mephisto Shop New York exceeds one year projections
March 2012 marked the one year anniversary for the flagship Mephisto Shop in New York. Exceeding sales projections by 37%, it proved to be an expected success. “We never doubted that this was a smart move for us to make for the Mephisto brand”, stated Rusty Hall, President and CEO for Mephisto, Inc.
“We knew New York was the right market for us to launch our U.S. flagship store and the location has proven to be the perfect place to showcase our Mephisto collection”, he added. Located at 1040 3rd Avenue, inTrump Plaza, the Mephisto Shop has experienced consistent, substantial growth in sales every month since opening.
Impressed by Mephisto NY’s success, other existing Mephisto retail
partners have been anxious to get on board with the exclusive Mephisto Shop concept in their markets. Maurice and Garrett Breton – owners of the Comfort One Shops in Washington, D.C., recognized the opportunity and also opened two Mephisto Shops in early 2011.
The success of their stores in Verizon Center and Dupont Circle was so immediate, that they opened a third Mephisto store in George town at the end of the year.
“We couldn’t be more pleased with the growth we have experienced in
the last 12 to 13 months”, added Hall. “In an economic environment that has been tough for many luxury brands, the recent openings in NY and Washington D.C. have proven that with the right product, the right location and the right business model, you can succeed”.
Plans for other Mephisto retail stores are in the works and future
locations are being researched. “The next few years will be filled with hard work but will be exciting times for us”, concluded Hall.
www.mephisto.com
Growing and vibrant footwear display at Off-Price Show this September
In the last year London’s Off-Price Show has seen significant growth in its
footwear area and the September 2012 edition promises to set new records. Off-Price is renowned for its excellent displays of fashion footwear,
sports and leisure ranges and the Autumn edition will see an increase in dress shoes, formal men’s shoes and work footwear, giving buyers wider choice, and even greater value and quality than ever before on ranges for ladies, men and children.
First time exhibitors at the last March edition such as LJ & R Footwear
and Ealing Shoes have re-confirmed their appearance for the Autumn show, alongside regulars such as Kenyon’s Footwear, Patrick Shoes, Comfort Shoe Warehouse and Clearance Footwear. Hooton & Sons have also recently joined Off-Price for the first time.
The Off-Price Show’s expanding focus on footwear has been welcomed
by buyers and suppliers alike and organisers are promising further new additions, after a recent wave of enquiries from the UK, Germany and Netherlands. The show will also be moving to the newly developed West Hall at Olympia this September, one of many new improvements which the organisers are implementing this year.
The Off-Price Show takes place on 23rd-24th September 2012. Visitors who pre-register gain free entry to the show and valuable business improvement seminars held on-site. Registration and further information can be obtained from
www.offpriceshow.co.uk
SOCIETY OF SHOE FITTERS NEWS - Who says it is all doom and gloom and no good news?
Are you an experienced shoe fitter but have not qualified as a member of
The Society of Shoe Fitters? What a pity, because they are always looking to promote staff and shops that do the job well and their members are well respected. There has never been a better time to join - you need every possible achievement to retain your customers and your staff in these tough times and with overwhelming competition.
As you know the Society of Shoe Fitters run their courses primarily for
new shops and those wanting to learn more, and they have also offered an Entrance Examination for experienced shoe fitters with more than 5 years experience to allow them to gain our membership qualification.
Now, they are offering an alternative form of entry - The Entrance
Application. This is newly available from the SSF website as a download - without obligation. Bearing in mind the recession is biting and calls from the public asking for help is increasing, the Society would like to boost its membership in certain parts of the country.
10 • FOOTWEAR TODAY • JUNE/JULY 2012 SSF Secretary Laura West says: ”Membership of the organisation is
purely by qualification and experienced staff have been unaware that we offer an Examination. Unfortunately the majority of shops employ staff who are retail sales assistants and not shoe fitters and therefore it would be nice to give their self esteem a lift, and give them the opportunity to qualify for membership of the organisation.
“The Application has been designed to specifically target shoe fitters
based on their past experience and career history/CV as well as their day to day shoe fitting ethic.
“ Most importantly, bearing in mind the recession is biting the small
indies, we are offering a Special Price of £50 per entry if completed within 2012! Can't be bad eh? What better time for employers to invest in their staff - particularly when it wont cost them a fortune!”
Tel: 01953-851171
www.shoefitters.org.uk www.footweartoday.co.uk
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