of working with problematic feet with adults, we have been approached by local clinics and we now have DB Shoes on board and we have been searching Moda for brands that will tick all the boxes for us as we move forward into this field.
Do you have an online shop/website and do you use social networking for business? We are currently updating our online store which I do hope will be up and running again very shortly. I’m very excited to see the end results. We mainly use Facebook to channel much of our local mums as we can update information quickly and they can contact us with queries and questions through messenger. It seems to work well or us.
How are you finding the footwear market currently? For us I’m very excited for 2020 as our business has grown which is fantastic in this wave of economic uncertainty.
What’s selling well? Any particular trends? Which are your best selling footwear brands – and why? For Autumn/Winter 2019/20 we have done a roaring trade in the Chelsea Boots and also the more sporty hi top ankle boots. Best-selling brands for this are LURCHI and Froddo. I think they sell well as they are trendy, have good waterproof textile choices available and they wear amazingly well, parents always comment on how good they look after lots of wear and tear.
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 extremely important to our business. It’s what our reputation has been built on over the last 13 years. I studied with the Society of Shoefitters back in 2007 by examination, Pushpa is hopefully going to get on the course this year too, which will be lovely for us as a shop.
Does your shop sell other items besides footwear, bags, gloves, tights, socks, below the ankle products? We do sell polishes , sprays, a few laces and socks but we tend to stick to the main criteria of shoes.
Do you use an EPOS (retail technology) system in your shop? Yes, we use EPOS now, but we are in the middle of changing systems so we can bring e-commerce side into store and vice versa. No major problems.
Any tips on stock offers, novel ideas for clearing lines or advice for independent shoe retailers who might be feeling the pinch? I think for our store less is more when trying to clear stock so everything doesn’t look too cluttered.
What is your favourite men’s footwear brand/manufacturer – ditto ladies/children’s brand – and why? I have two children’s brands which are my favourite. Froddo as it is good quality, easy to fit and a little bit quirky. LURCHI - it’s up there at the moment with what the kids are wanting to wear style wise, it fits well and is very durable.
How do you select your products – which criteria do you use / what are your customers looking for? Ha ha, I wouldn’t say I’m a classic buyer. I love something a bit different, so I do take a few risks here and there. We do have criteria and most of that is to do with fit and comfort, orthotic accommodation and foot health. My customers do trust us so we have to get things right and we are always asking them questions about what they are looking for to make sure we are confident in the styles and choices we make at buying time so it meets every detail as well as price.
Which footwear/fashion shows do you attend, how do you rate them? We generally attend Moda but cannot always get there in the summer as we are very busy. I love the atmosphere when we are there, and the time always goes far too quickly before we have to leave, so I never get to see everything. I thought Moda had a fantastic, relaxed atmosphere this year.
Do you have a favourite footwear agent you can tell us about? I have a few favourite footwear agents who have been with me since opening my shop, but I think Pauly from Kidsnewshoes, would be the one that stands out for me as she has helped me so much over the years and has become a good friend. As a brand she listens to what we need out there in retail and tries her best to give us retailers what we want and need.
Have you always had a passion for footwear? How many pairs of shoes do you own? Do you have a favourite pair? OH YES! I have a terrible passion for shoes from a very young age. The shoes come before the outfit! I have too many shoes – but more Boots. I cannot say no, I haven’t counted but I must have over 60 pairs of boots. I’m going to be in trouble at home now I’ve admitted to that! My favourite pair are a grey suede pair from Franco Russo and they are so comfortable but chic!
Any famous customers? Not that I’m aware of as yet!
And, the next step? Any plans for the future, new lines, retail systems/new technology, etc.? This year we have many changes going on from new epos systems and e-commerce sites to branching out into ladies specialist fitting areas, working with local specialists and getting footcare information into local schools with the support from local clinics.
Zebedee Shoes 67 Oundle Road, Peterborough. PE2 9PE United Kingdom 01733 555909
zebedeeshoes.com
MARCH/APRIL 2020 • FOOTWEAR TODAY • 39
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