visiting the store, from the local farming community to business people and also from as far afield as Pembrokeshire and London. Our customers enjoy the personal touch from our Independent hands and the wide selection on offer. We are especially known for our special occasion section of the business, where we have a vast range of evening / special occasion shoes with matching clutch bags whether it is for the mother of the bride, guests or just for any special function.
Do you have an online shop/website and do you use social networking for business? We believe in the local Independent Store and the ultimate survival of the
high street and therefore the only presence that we have is a Facebook page for advertising and current information.
How are you finding the footwear market currently? While the current recession has put a dampener on the fashion industry in
general, we are fortunate to have a loyal customer base which continues to support us through these trying times.
What’s selling well? Any particular trends? Which are your best selling footwear brands – and why? Top brands would include ARA, Gabor, Tamaris and Zodiaco. The ARA, Gabor and Tamaris brands are popular for the day to day comfort wear and durability and Zodiaco for those special occasions.
Does your shop sell other items besides footwear, bags, gloves, tights, socks, below the ankle products? We stock a small range of winter scarves handbags and also fascinators for special occasions.
Any difficulties/problems? This last year has had its ups and downs, but then again it has been challenging for most people no matter what industry. Luckily my husband is an accountant and keeps a close eye on things for me, sometimes a little too close if you ask me.
Any tips on stock offers, novel ideas for clearing lines or advice for independent shoe retailers who might be feeling the pinch? Our shop has two storeys and the second storey has been converted to an
all year “Sale Room / Discount Room”, which enables us to clear end of season lines, it also accommodates those customers in search of a “bargain”.
What is your favourite men’s footwear brand/manufacturer – ditto ladies/children’s brand – and why? It would be unfair to single out a favourite brand and hard to do so, just
that some are better in quality than other’s, which obviously the price tag dictates. I prefer not to name favorite’s for fear of upsetting any of my
trusted suppliers. Personally I love Gabor as I find them extremely accommodating with their width fittings and quality which suit my personal needs. Over the Spring / Summer we introduced a new brand “ARA”, which has been a huge success. Again "ARA" has various width fittings, reasonable pricing together with fashionable styles, hence the reason we placed a much larger collection for spring / summer 2014.
How do you select your products – which criteria do you use / what are your customers looking for? The Criteria that we look for would include fitting and comfort whilst
still keeping a stylish and fashionable look. We also try and stock footwear that is unique and that you do not normally find in the high street “chain stores”.
Which footwear/fashion shows do you attend, how do you rate them? I attend MODA every February and August, which is helpful in gauging the next seasons colours and styles, before diving in and ordering.
Do you have a favourite footwear agent? Yes, I’m sure they know who they are!! Have to keep in their good books; we don’t want to upset anyone now do we.
Have you always had a passion for footwear? How many pairs of shoes do you own? Do you have a favourite pair? My husband says that I have 777 pairs of shoes, but I think that is a slight
exaggeration, but my favourite pair’s are my old faithfuls “Gabor Jolly’s” in summer, I just love them. It can also be too convenient owning a shoe shop when you have two daughters, as I still seem to be “footing” the bill for their shoes at their ages of 24 and 21.
Any famous customers? A couple of ladies who are actresses on a Welsh soap drama on the S4C channel. We also had Prince Charles and Camilla visiting our local theatre directly across the street, such a pity she didn’t have time to try on some of our shoes.
And, the next step? Any plans for the future, new lines, retail systems/new technology, etc.? To continue offering good quality products, unique personal service and
to build on the Steps reputation as the premier shoe and accessory store in the Carmarthen area.
Contacts:
Louise Taylor Steps
54a King Street, Carmarthen Tel: 01267 233 092
Email:
louise.taylor5@googlemail.com
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