What’s selling well? Any particular trends? Which are your best-selling footwear brands – and why?
Peter Kaiser – The wedding market Fitflop – Holiday wear Rieker / Remote – Price point and comfort Waldlaufer – Wide fitting Azuree – Perfect cruise shoes K&S – High end ballet pumps
How important is shoe fitting to your business? Are you or any of your staff members of the Society of Shoe Fitters? I try to only buy from brands who have ½sizes, as comfort and fit is very important. None of our staff are members of the SOSF
Does your shop sell other items besides footwear, bags, gloves, tights, socks, below the ankle products? Where we can we like to dress our ladies from head to toe, we offer designer clothing from mother of the bride to casual holiday wear. We have a wide selection of accessories, jewellery, scarves, fascinators, purses, gloves, tights, etc, and we also have a selection of designer leather handbags.
Do you use an EPOS (retail technology) system in your shop? Yes, this is vital to our business allowing for reports of remaining stock and sell through to be created instantly to inform sales and buying.
Any tips on stock offers, novel ideas for clearing lines or advice for independent shoe retailers who might be feeling the pinch? You just have to discount them and get them out of the shop, then you can put the money into something that works for your shop.
What is your favourite ladies brand – and why? Peter Kaiser – Only shoes I wear - I am size 2 (34) Mephisto – the footbeds are so comfortable
How do you select your products – which criteria do you use / what are your customers looking for? Having an EPOS system helps me with the sell throughs by brands reports, then it’s down to matching up with the fashion items. I always have my regular customers in mind when buying, but obviously I can not buy for one person so it is a methodical & balanced procedure to ensure I don’t stock the same or similar products season on season.
Which footwear/fashion shows do you attend, how do you rate them? Pure – great for new ideas Moda – most of the footwear brand show at the show. Kensington London – more relax show, easy to do you buying.
Do you have a favourite footwear agent you can tell us about? All agents are great, I truly believe in building a working relationship with all agents I meet, they need to understand the business and its needs, rather than how many pairs they can sell you.
Have you always had a passion for footwear? How many pairs of shoes do you own? Do you have a favourite pair? My husband, staff & customers all tell me I have a passion for fashion. I am a well-heeled lady. Last count over 200 pairs. I have several pairs of favourite shoes, mainly from Peter Kaiser, Azuree or Magrit.
Any famous customers? We have served cast members from Emmerdale. Most recently Matthew Wolfenden brought his mum along for an outfit. We have a couple of members of The Houses of Parliament who are regulars – Dame Margaret Eaton being one. Grand National Winner - Susan Smith. Local news presenters from the BBCs Look North.
And, the next step? Any plans for the future, new lines, retail systems/new technology, etc.? I have several new plans, I am always on the lookout for new brands. I am the only UK stockist of SENTALER - the coat worn on Christmas day by Megan Markle now the Duchess od Sussex, and favoured Coat designer of the Duchess of Cambridge. Whether we like it or not e-commerce is here to stay, and we must
embrace it. We cannot rely on shop door opening we have to make it open one way or another. I have a team of 4 on e-commerce, I would like to expand this and the multi selling channels available.
Contact: Walk In Style, 34 Bingley Road, Saltaire, West Yorkshire, BD18 4RU T: 01274-580964 E:
smita@walkinstyle.co.uk W:
www.walkinstyle.co.uk
JUNE/JULY 2018 • FOOTWEAR TODAY • 39
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