What’s selling well? Any particular trends? Which are your best selling footwear brands – and why? We have never been at the cutting edge of fashion, we try to keep on-trend rather than being trend setters. Skechers and Kickers have both been important brands for us over the years and we continue to stock large ranges.


How important is shoe fitting to your business? Are you or any of your staff members of the Society Of Shoe Fitters? Obviously, fit is important and many of our staff are trained in this. All stores are equipped with foot measures as an important part of our business is school footwear so we have an obligation to ensure that the children are fitted correctly. (Our QA Director is a member of the Society.)


Does your shop sell other items besides footwear, bags, gloves, tights, socks, below the ankle products? We have very recently started selling watches, reading glasses & belts in stores with some success. It is important that you look at other opportunities and are aware of the market place.


Do you use an EPOS (retail technology) system in your shop(s)? Over the last 12 months we have introduced a new Head Office WMS & replaced all store EPOS systems. Although not without some teething problems this will futureproof the business and allow stock to get through the system more effectively and we are starting to see the benefits.


Any difficulties/problems? One of the biggest issues for retailers is rising staff costs re the living wage. Currency issues and competitiveness mean that it is not possible to claw the cost back through margin and it’s a very real long term concern for a business such as ours. If you cut back on labour too much then customer service and sales suffers so it’s all about trying to get the balance right.


Any tips on stock offers, novel ideas for clearing lines or advice for independent shoe retailers who might be feeling the pinch? If you buy it right then you shouldn’t need to write it down!!! The advice I would give to an independent is be aware of your market with a niche product/point of difference (not easy with on-line) and know your product well, with goods customer service – you ARE the business at the end of the day. The town and location has to be relevant but then you will be faced with


high rent and rates so it’s a catch 22 I guess. Town centres these days appear to be either buoyant or ghost towns with empty units.


What is your favourite men’s footwear brand/manufacturer – ditto ladies/children’s brand – and why? Personally I like Adidas for men. For Ladies, then Skechers are doing a really good job in expanding their product ranges at the moment. The iconic kids brand is obviously Clarks re. their fit focus.


How do you select your products – which criteria do you use / what are your customers looking for? Our products are developed in-house by our buying team who select products based on our customer’s needs after extensive research and development within our own stores and competitors in the marketplace. Our customers are looking for casual and on-trend footwear at affordable prices.


Which footwear/fashion shows do you attend, how do you rate them? The buying team attend shows such Ispo, Micam, Expo Riva and Moda to understand what’s on offer from a supply base and also directly from the brands. These shows give a great insight into the direction of trends and what will be in the market place next season.


Have you always had a passion for footwear? How many pairs of shoes do you own? Do you have a favourite pair? I collect special issue Adidas originals and have done now for some years. I maybe have around 100 boxed pairs unworn. My favourite ones are


the most valuable of course and I keep aware of the prices that are achieved on E-Bay!!!!


Any famous customers? Ken Dodd (RIP), Steve Gerrard and Peter Beardsley amongst others have been spotted in our stores. There are too many to mention.


And, the next step? Any plans for the future, new lines, retail systems/new technology, etc.? For the moment it’s a case of taking stock, keeping an eye on costs and looking to re-negotiate more favourable lease deals. We are always keeping an eye on the property market and if the right deal in the right town came up, then we would be interested. It’s more important than ever that you are aware of the marketplace, customers’ expectations and the changing world of technology.


Contact: Mark Richardson, MD, E: Mark@courtesy.co.uk W: Wynsors.com


MAY 2018 • FOOTWEAR TODAY


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