What’s selling well? Any particular trends? Which are your bestselling footwear brands – and why? Block heels are popular and selling well on court shoe styles and sandals. Low heeled ankle boots, that are neat and can be worn smart/ casual are popular transitional styles. Greys and navy are popular in AW and make a change/ are softer than black. Though black always rules! In terms of best –selling brands, for us it is:


Hogl –for style, comfort, fit and price point. Paul Smith – for those wanting something a little contemporary. Lisa Kay – for comfort and quality.


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 very important but as we stock fashion brands this can be limited. We know how our brands fit and can advise/ sell accordingly. We ensure when we buy, that we choose styles with varying toe shapes and as such widths, and are considerate of shape and style on boots, with elastic panels/ stretch, etc. We listen to what our customers say and certainly consider this when we buy. We are not a member of the Society of Shoe Fitters.


Does your shop sell other items besides footwear, bags, gloves, tights, socks, below the ankle products? We sell accessories, including handbags, scarves &, jewellery.


Do you use an EPOS (retail technology) system in your shop? No


Any difficulties/problems? Other than the current climate and market none, as such. Making sure we are forward thinking and trying new things, keeping things innovative and responding to what is happening is hopefully keeping us out of difficulty.


Any tips on stock offers, novel ideas for clearing lines or advice for independent shoe retailers who might be feeling the pinch? Multi-platform is a must. Clear styles by creating a clearance or outlet shop on eBay or another online marketplace, or by doing an annual clearance sale for a short period of time in store – a pop up perhaps, with clearing old stock in mind.


Mix up your brands and offering (add a cheaper line) or accessory that allows lower priced purchases.


What is your favorite men’s footwear brand/manufacturer – ditto ladies/children’s brand – and why? Lucy Choi – different, elegant and quality.


How do you select your products – which criteria do you use / what are your customers looking for? We buy only what we love and believe in. We look for and consider trends, quality, comfort & price, and we do buy with customers in mind.


Which footwear/fashion shows do you attend, how do you rate them? Scoop London – love this show for inspiration, and it’s great for accessories. Micam Milan – love the variety, quality and range here. London Shoe Show – Although small, it shows good quality brands.


Do you have a favourite footwear agent you can tell us about? Everyone we deal with, agents, brands & even designers directly are great, actually; I couldn’t possibly name just one!


Have you always had a passion for footwear? How many pairs of shoes do you own? Do you have a favourite pair? Yes, always. I love them. I have quite a few pairs! One of my favourite designers is Lucy Choi, I love her style; her shoes are


beautiful and easy to wear. I particularly like her flats and kitten heel; they make any outfit look great!


Any famous customers? We have local television and sports personalities who visit.


And, the next step? Any plans for the future, new lines, retail systems/new technology, etc.? We are always looking for new lines and something different in order to be able to stand out from the High Street but also to be exciting and unique. It is important for us to stay innovative and fresh and not become staid so


we’re always researching, reading and looking. There are so many retailers, big and small doing some fabulous things. A retail system is something I am considering in the future.


Contact: Scarpini, T: 02380225466 E: online@scarpini.co.uk W: www.scarpini.co.uk


OCTOBER 2018 • FOOTWEAR TODAY • 35


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