STRAP
Cheryl Taylor, Editor, talks to Paul Haslam of Haslams, Wilmslow. Q&A:
Name: Paul Haslam Shop: Haslams Footwear
Brands: Gabor, Ecco, Peter Kaiser, Mephisto, Reiker, Joseph Seibel, Waldlaufer, Suave, HB, Van Dal, Fitflop, Barker, Loakes, Sioux, Anatomic.
Home town: Wilmslow (shop) Me; Hartford Northwich. Family: Married.
How did you get into footwear? Tell us about your background and your current business? When I left school at 16 all I wanted to do was to get a job, earn some money and enjoy myself. So for 5 years I worked at a market garden which I loved. It certainly taught me respect for hard work and an understanding of good work ethic.
I joined the family business in Knutsford when I was 21- 31 years ago.
As soon as I joined my dad sent me to work at the Grenson factory for a week, to get some idea how much work goes into making a shoe. We recently relocated from Alderley Rd in Wilmslow to 49, Grove St
Wilmslow, which is in a pedestrianised area with more footfall. I began looking to relocate 2 years ago. Finally the right shop became available at the right time and they offered me 9 month’s rent free. The new shop is 3 times the size of Alderley Rd, with the same rent and loads of passing trade. Happy days!
34 • FOOTWEAR TODAY • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017
What’s selling well? Any particular trends? Which are your best selling footwear brands – and why? We stock mainly casual shoes. Most people are looking for smart casual shoes these days.Our bestselling brands are Gabor (fashion and fit), Rieker (good on price and commercial), Skechers (TV advertising, good on price and the public demand), Waldlaufer (good broad fitting and high spec for the price), Ecco (good quality, styling and fit) and Mephisto (high spec and once someone has had a pair they always come back for more).
I have 7 members of staff. Some are new, but some have been with me for
many years. We don’t have a high turnover of staff at all, in fact due to the success of the new move I have had to employ more staff. I am very proud of my staff, who all work tremendously hard, and I am very appreciative of what they bring to the shop. The area itself is very affluent and we get a varied range of customers.
As we specialise in fitting many local chiropodists and podiatrists recommend their customers to come and visit us.
Do you have an online shop/website and do you use social networking for business? Yes, we do have an online business. This has just recently been set up. Although I am reluctant to sell shoes online – for the obvious reason that I believe in customers having the assistance of a trained fitting professional, I do realise that peoples shopping habits have changed. Therefore to be competitive in the current market, it’s the only way forward.
How are you finding the footwear market currently? Since we have opened our new shop, business is booming. But it’s the old story, mother nature is never kind to us. What with cold spring seasons and the odd Indian Summer in September, the selling seasons really need to change. Autumn should be starting in October and Spring should be in April with the sales pushed a month ahead, but it will never happen!
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