Q&A
to better suit modern day demands. We did a refit to create a second workshop to increase production, 2 shop refits to better showcase our own slipper range. New website, looking to grow our retail for the slippers, where we had previously relied on white label or wholesale to sell our own product.
Do you have an online shop/website and do you use social networking for business? Was this active during the lockdown?
With the shop floor closed, we put all our energy to improve our presence through social media and built a new e-commerce website, with a global appeal.
What’s selling well? Any particular trends? Which are your best-selling footwear brands – and why? Our own slippers have shown tremendous growth. During lockdown slippers became more relevant due to the amount of time people spent at home. Since we have come back from lockdowns. Evening wear has been popular, as the public want to make up for lost time with celebrations, which is where our velvet dress slippers are most likely worn. Crockett & Jones has been a shining light for the brands we stock, as customers have returned to quality, but also want to be able to repair and be sustainable. The biggest trends are towards loafers and plain Derby’s, mainly in suedes, as we are all a little more casual now, regardless of our profession. Black dress shoes have veritably shown a decline, as so many people still work from home, or hybrid.
How important is shoe fitting to your business? Are you or any of your staff members of the Society Of Shoe Fitters?
It is essential when selling English premium footwear, it is also one of the
main reasons people still come to shops, as sizes can vary so much from brand to brand, Also service is still very much in demand when buying premium products. We are all trained in fitting, but not part of the society of shoe fitters.
Does your shop sell other items besides footwear, bags, gloves, tights, socks, below the ankle products? We dabble a little in accessories, with a strong sock market, selling Pantherella. We prefer to stick to products below the ankle.
Do you use an EPOS (retail technology) system in your shop(s)? No, we are still very old school, with hand written receipts and a stock ledger. We have penciled in February 2023 to install our first Epos system however.
What is your favourite men’s footwear brand/ manufacturer – ditto ladies/children’s brand – and why? Bowhill & Elliott of course! Honestly, we have such a wonderful handmade, niche product, that can be personalised and made a million different ways, it is very special! Outside our own brand, Berluti is where my love for footwear began, they have such a wonderful imagination. Crockett & Jones make the best value welted shoes you can buy and have such wonderful classic designs. Cheaney are the ones to watch, especially with their boot ranges and women’s collections.
How do you select your products – which criteria do you use / what are your customers looking for? Quality and repairable are essential. We look to always stock the classics, as they are classic for a reason. To compliment the classics we like to have fun with dual branded MTO with Crockett & Jones, really niche stuff that appeals to shoe aficionados, we like to be niche and different.
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