Cheryl Taylor talks to Clare Campbell of Lexden Shoes, Colchester, Essex. Q&A:
Name: Clare Campbell Shop: Lexden Shoes
Brands: Rieker, Remonte, Waldlaufer, Caprice, Capollini, Sandpiper, Suave, Van Dal, Riva, Barkers, Loake
Home Town: Colchester, Essex
Family: Married to Luke and have a daughter Jessica age 16
26 • FOOTWEAR TODAY • AUGUST 2014
How did you get into footwear? Tell us about your background and your current business? I was originally studying at University to become a teacher after
completing a Law Degree and had just got onto the first year's course when my ex. partner was taken ill and ended up in hospital. As he had his own business, I had to run that whilst he was ill. The University would not keep my place open, as I was unable to say how long he was going to be in hospital. So, to cheer myself up, (as a customer already of the shoe shop), I went to buy myself a pair of shoes as you do! I knew the previous owner wanted to retire so I asked him if he had found anyone for the business. He hadn't but asked me if I was interested and the rest, as they say, is history! I purchased the shop in December 2002. We are predominantly a ladies shoe shop, but we do sell men’s shoes as well. I once worked out that for every pair of men’s shoes sold, we sold fifteen pairs of ladies! For men our suppliers are: Barkers, Rieker, Waldlaufer, Loakes, Sandpiper, Caprice, Anatomic Gel. For ladies we stock: Rieker, Capollini, Sandpiper, Suave, Van Dal, Remonte, Waldlaufer and Caprice.
Where are your premises located and how many people do you employ? Do you have a high turnover of staff? Tell us about your shop(s), the local area, your customers and their requirements? The shop itself has been established for over 60 years with only three owners during that time, myself being the third owner.
mile and a half from the town centre and situated off a side road.
It is situated about a
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