Cheryl Taylor, Editor asks Bernard O’Brien of Luke O’Brien Shoes, Tuam, Co. Galway, Eire, why he buys Hotter?
Kindly tell us about your shop, its location and your customers? Our shop is in Tuam, Co. Galway, 20 miles north of Galway City. The shop was founded by my father Luke, in 1941. We are a “typical” family Footwear Shop. We supply footwear from “cradle to grave “, for all the family. Our customers come from all parts of the province and it gives me a great thrill when I’m told that they have travelled 50 miles or more.
What made you decide to buy this brand? The desire of the brand to produce shoes that our customers required. I remember the “old “ Beaconsfield shoes. When Stewart took over the
business and changed what they were doing, I was very impressed with his drive, vision and passion for properly fitting comfort footwear.
How did you find out about the brand, where and when? A local rep, dead now God Rest him, showed them to me many years ago.
Which features of the brand do you like best and why? The leathers they use, leather linings, and the simple fact that they FIT. At first, just the styles and fit appealed to me, now the whole team at
Skem, are really working well together. I have visited the factory numerous times and was there this year for another WONDERFUL factory tour conducted by Robert who is nearly as good as the late factory manager, Steven, now there was a shoe man!!! I wear Hotter shoes myself regularly, therefore I can recommend them to my customers with complete confidence.
How does this brand compare with other brands in the same category you stock/have stocked? Hotter sits very well with our overall offer. The comfort/casual market is VERY competitive and Hotter competes very well with our other brands. We can recommend HOTTER to any of our customers with confidence.
Which styles have worked best for you? Slightly higher wedge styles , in EE fit of course, Black leather in Slip on, Velcro and laced styles are best for us.
18 • FOOTWEAR TODAY • JANUARY 2019
Is the brand one of your best-sellers? Where does it stand price-wise? Yes, it is one of our best sellers, shoes range between ¤75-¤95.
Which are the most popular styles? Styles called Sugar, Tone, Calypso, Shake in Ladies, Energise and Boost are best in Men’s for us.
Have you recommended the brand to other retailers? Of course, some have thanked me for the recommendation. I would have no hesitation in recommending the Brand to other retailers.
Please tell about the service you receive from the manufacturer? Hotter recently held a Retailer/Management/Design/Sales forum attended by some top retailers from the UK and it was an excellent way for retailers to inform Hotter on what they need to do in the future to enhance sales to independent retailers. As stated above, the in stock service is very good, mark downs are very
Three generations of O’Briens: Luke, Bernard and Eddie!
few, our customers ask for them by name and we are delighted to be Hotter stockists.
Contact: Bernard O’Brien, Luke O’Brien Shoes, T: +353 93 24326 W:
lukeobrienshoes.wix.com/luke-obrien-shoes
Contact Hotter: E:
wholesaleorders@hotter.com T: +44 (0)800 028 3412/13
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