Do you have an online shop/website and do you use social networking for business? We launched our website
donaghys.co.uk in 2010 where we sell the majority of the products that you will also find instore. We find social media essential to the promoting
of our products, store and website using facebook, Twitter and Instagram as a means of engaging with our customers and of reaching out to new customers.
How are you finding the footwear market currently? Trade is still difficult out there, following on from a poor summer weather wise and people are still cautious, with price being a big factor.
What’s selling well? Any particular trends? Which are your best selling footwear brands – and why? There are certainly brands which go through periods of increased success, at the moment we are finding Skechers a strong trend. The colours are vibrant and eye-catching which is essential in a children’s shoe.
How important is shoe fitting to your business? Are you or any of your staff members of the Society Of Shoe Fitters? Shoe fitting is at the heart of our business whether it is in the children’s or adult’s department. We believe that you are establishing a customer base from a young age by providing the correct fitting and experience. We pride ourselves on our fitting expertise and all our children’s staff are Clarks and Startrite trained fitters.
Society of Shoefitters myself and ensure good practices are passed on to the staff.
Does your shop sell other items besides footwear, bags, gloves, tights, socks, below the ankle products? In our children’s department we stock a popular and wide range of children’s clothing from brands such as Joules, Timberland, Billie Blush, Sylvian Heach, Billie Bandit and many others. We also having a thriving sports clothing and equipment trade in our sports store.
Do you use an EPOS (retail technology) system in your shop? We have used RMS for a number of years which enables us to have stock reordered automatically from suppliers such as Clarks and Startrite.
Any difficulties/problems? As with any computer system there can be issues.
Any tips on stock offers, novel ideas for clearing lines or advice for independent shoe retailers who might be feeling the pinch? Not really but every shoe has a price in the end.
Contact: Thomas McVeigh, Donaghys,
25-31 Newry Street, Banbridge, BT32 3EA, 02840662750.
www.donaghys.co.uk I am a member of the
How do you select your products – which criteria do you use / what are your customers looking for? Listening to customer feedback is very important, we are finding more and more that customers are very definite on the product that they want. Customers want the latest trends now for their children’s footwear as much as themselves. Our General Manager, Sheila Barry has a great eye for shoe trends.
Which footwear/fashion shows do you attend, how do you rate them? We travel to Moda in February and August and find it a useful means to speak with suppliers and identify upcoming trends at an early stage.
Any famous customers? Daniel Radcliffe (better known for his role as Harry Potter). His Grandmother was from the Banbridge area and brought Daniel in for shoes when he was a child.
And, the next step? Any plans for the future, new lines, retail systems/new technology, etc.? To expand our presence online further, we are always seeking to keep moving forward.
JANUARY 2016 • FOOTWEAR TODAY
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