SUPPORT SHOE FITTING WEEK STARTING 19TH MARCH 2016
The Society of Shoe Fitters will be celebrating National Shoe Fitting Week – under the banner ‘Keep Feet ‘Fit’- during week commencing March 19th 2016. So, if you haven’t started making plans already for this important event, now is a good time!
T
he number of calls from health professionals continues to increase requesting our
assistance. It therefore makes sense for everyone to promote NATIONAL SHOE FITTING WEEK 2016. This is always the week prior to Easter - therefore a moveable feast. It is a Public Information campaign so all
retailers, clinics, surgeries etc. may promote the message....our only problem is letting everyone know that the campaign is available and that they are welcome to join in! We have found that for every
company/business/individual that forwards this information the response grows - like a pebble creating ripples in a pool. If the public get the message then this has a cost saving to the NHS long term, boosts business and creates networking opportunities between health professionals and footwear professionals. New supporters for this year include Diabetes
UK, The Lymphoedema Support Network and the Institute of Chiropodists & Podiatrists. The Society of Chiropodists & Podiatrists and others have been onboard from the start and we thank them all for their continued and tremendous support. A4 posters are available and will be sent to our members and to IFRA and CFHR members shortly, as many as you are prepared to distribute. Please use our logo/poster artwork on your websites, in-house etc. and here's hoping that we receive some national media attention which will have a knock-on effect to benefit all concerned. Information can also be found on the National Shoe Fitting Week page of our website. We give out so much as an organisation and
receive little back in return, therefore our only request is that the Society of Shoe fitters is centre to your promotion and it is not used purely for self-promotion (yes it does happen unfortunately). Best regards, good luck and do let us know of your successes. We know that badly fitted and cheaply made
footwear are bad for us, but they are our guilty pleasure. We make excuses to buy perceived bargains (even those of us who know better). What many still fail to understand is that even an unsuitable shoe can be fitted more comfortably with professional advice and service – although there is never an excuse for cheaply made footwear that floods our shores and ends up in landfill in a matter of weeks after wear.
justifying numbers. A supplier may step up to supply, but what happens when a few seasons down the track they decide the supplier is old news?
If a chain like Brantano goes under it is not
Tomorrow never comes when we want something that is bad for us long term, but with footwear there are two primary groups for whom this is seriously dangerous and irresponsible - children and diabetics. Independent retailers are more important to
the footwear industry and health than they are given credit and most will agree they have not been supported or acknowledged enough by suppliers or the government. Independent shops are the backbone of this country, the bread and butter of both suppliers and HMRC, so why do we continue to put our eggs in the biggest baskets when the smaller baskets are more reliable, flexible and hold more in the long run? One ugly word – avarice! We want what they seem to have – high street status and profit…but is it smoke and mirrors? The multiples, chainstores, multi- nationals allude to massive orders and greater brand awareness, but they are just as fragile as the small people – in fact the larger they are the harder they fall as we have seen with Brantano this month. The allure is obvious; but when the ‘big boys’
(and girls) buy in bulk they cut manufacturers margin to the bone and suppliers stretch themselves to the limit to please. However nice a Buyer is, there is little loyalty involved…it is
just initial monies outstanding – it is forward orders placed on the system that have yet to be paid for and forward projections. Small shops therefore need to be nurtured. In countries like France, Italy, Spain and Germany independents thrive with two or three shoe shops in the same street, but here in the UK the ‘indies’ scream if another shop dares to come within 5 miles thinking it could be their end when often it just increases footfall. The public still like appreciation for spending their money and demand more product information, the small shop has time to give it. Footwear is not simply a commodity; it is proven that footwear is linked to our well-being. However even some good independents think that shoe fitting is still an add-on not a vital priority and many fail to realise it is their only U.S.P. Traditional shops pass on knowledge through generations and understand there is much to learn about physiology, footwear manufacture, how materials affect the fit and know only one third of the populous actually have ‘average’ feet. But who is left to fit the two thirds that need a little extra help and care? Who will inform the parent that by neglecting their child’s foot health it could cause them physical pain which will need expensive treatment later? The famous ‘70’s Munro Report warned the
government what would happen to our manufacturing base, independent retailers and the vital link to public health, but it was ignored and sadly has proven to be a visionary document. The SSF reminded MP’s of its accuracy in Parliament last October. Thankfully they are starting to see the light. Greatly assisted by other health based organisations and charities the cost to the NHS and Benefit system of ignoring shoe fitting is now being prioritised.
For more information about National Shoe Fitting Week go online:
www.shoefitters-uk.org or email:
secretary@shoefitters-uk.org or visit the SSF stand at MODA in February.
For more information about Qualified Shoe Fitters, Independent Retailers and National Shoe Fitting Week go online:
www.shoefitters-uk.org
18 • MODA SUPPLEMENT • FEBRUARY 2016
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 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96 |
Page 97 |
Page 98 |
Page 99 |
Page 100