This page contains a Flash digital edition of a book.
2011, we have provided councils with new powers to introduce and fund local business rates discounts as they see fit."


The Government also claims to be addressing


issues with town planning, access, parking, and vacant properties in addition to the recommendation to encourage a contract of care between landlords and their commercial tenants by promoting the leasing code, and supporting the use of lease structures other than upward only rent reviews, especially for small businesses.


Rhetoric or reality? Maria remains unconvinced: “As they see fit' is


not the same as telling the LA to reduce rates. There is nothing mandatory there. It's all rhetoric, suggestions. We are in a BID bid in Winbourne, which is a market town and we have only got one empty shop. A year on and nothing has really been done. There are too many committees and sub committees. There should be a policy on reducing rates, or at least the money we pay should be used locally, for free parking, keeping the town clean and putting on entertainment for shoppers."


Doris and Daisy is a very successful store, but making this happen day to day is by no means easy. "We offer fabulous customer service, have a transactional website, send out monthly newsletters and regularly change our stock. We offer a welcoming shopping experience that makes you feel great whether you buy with us or not. We are also open 7 days a week and as the only shop on our road that does, we do better on a Sunday than on a Monday."


Rupert Eastell, Head of Retail at Chartered


Accountants and Business Advisers, Baker Tilly, shares Maria's concerns: “Retailers are being squeezed by increased rates and reduced traffic, and something needs to be done to help our high streets.


“The Portas report provides a call to action at a


critical time. Regardless of whether you love her or hate her, Mary Portas’ report should stimulate debate about the future of the British high street and if it leads to just one high street making changes for the better, it will be a success. Portas makes sensible and deliverable recommendations in her report, but change is not down to her. If anything, it is clear that councils, community partnerships, local chambers of commerce and businesses must work together, take an honest look at their local high street, and make the tough decisions about the changes necessary for positive momentum.”


Nigel Hamilton of Bishops Footwear offers quite


a different view; "The biggest concern for footwear retailers, is the weather. It's been a tough year and although the economic climate is a factor, we really rely on a good run of weather


to ensure a good season. Bishops has had a good start to Autumn with Back to School, all we need now is a nice cold frosty winter!"


Errol Bayram, MD of PARES explains the


problems that his business currently faces: "One of our stores is in Blackheath Village next to the station car park, which, during the Olympics was closed down. During this period we suffered a 50-60% drop in sales with no relief offered by the council. We have three stores in three very different locations and where we have high footfall, the LA puts the parking up to increase revenue. So demand is being stifled.


“There should be a policy on


reducing rates, or at least the money we pay should be used locally, for free parking, keeping the town clean and putting on entertainment for shoppers."


"Adult footwear is non essential so we have


seen a drop in sales there. There is less of a recession in children's shoes as parents will always find the money from somewhere, but the adult side of the business has to make money too. If we are looking at rejuvenating our high streets we need to make them accessible for luxury goods and necessary items, offering variety in the shopping experience."


Commenting on the Portas Review, Errol says:


"It's all gimmicks - people want easy access to products. If any part of the shopping experience is difficult or boring, they will simply go online or to an out of town shopping centre where there is plenty of free parking. The consumer has more options now and the high street needs to step up and offer a similar level of choice and ease of access. The trouble is, local councils are dealing with a very different set of problems - their key incentives are to increase revenue and keep costs down."


Market challenges and trends Kate Ormrod, Retail analyst at market research


company Verdict, comments: "Footwear is a discretionary sector where spend can be deferred for adults, but less so for children, and consumers are putting unnecessary expenditure on hold, due to the financial uncertainty and possible job losses etc. We forecast volume and value growth to accelerate from 2013 as consumers start to feel more confident about making discretionary purchases as the economy recovers and the growth will be spurred on by players at the value end of the market, particularly as they can emulate both catwalk and high street fashion trends in footwear quickly and at a low price, which suits shoppers.


"Independent footwear retailers need to


showcase their knowledge and expertise – as this is something that non-specialists such as clothing retailers or grocers cannot achieve to the same level. They need to carefully consider the depth and breadth of their ranges, the quality and convenience they offer, in order to better compete with bigger retailers. Customer service is a key driver of loyalty for independents, so they also need to ensure they provide shoe-fitting services etc, and make shopping instore an enjoyable and easy experience, which should in turn encourage frequent return visits.”


Encouraging impulse buys Kate continues: "Independent specialists may find it difficult to drive footfall as they are solely reliant on retailing in one product sector, giving consumers fewer reasons to visit stores. We are already seeing selected high street specialists such as Kurt Geiger and Dune developing their accessories’ offer, so perhaps this is something they could look into. Offering complementary ranges such as fashion accessories or shoe care items also encourages impulse purchases and increases spend per head.”


Richard Perks, Director of Retail at market


research company Mintel, believes that in principle the Review has got it right: "Mary Portas is absolutely spot on when she says that high streets that want to survive must invest. Ideas such as more markets are excellent, because they add more excitement to the high street. No-one owes a retailer a living. No-one owes a high street a living. Consumers go to where they are best served - and that is as true of retailers as it is of high streets. A high street that gets no investment has no future."


Only time will tell if the Government's plans


are as effective in practice as they sound on paper. In the meantime, all independent retailers can do is continue to offer the great customer service and product mix that separates them from the rest.


Kate Ormrod


SEPTEMBER 2012 • FOOTWEAR TODAY


• 45


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62