INTERVIEW
Wonders C-7602. Left: Sophos Rambler Bag
Legero recently conducted a survey among
existing retail partners to better understand their needs and consumer behaviour. Range development is as important as the message; without the right products, the message won’t get through, so it’s important for the retailer, the salesperson and the brand to share feedback and listen to each other so that product has its best chance to perform in-store. As a company, we will continue to support trade
shows across the country, including Footwear Today Live, Harrogate Fashion Week, Top Drawer, and The Outdoor Trade Show. These shows are vital – not only for presenting, seeing, and buying collections but also for the invaluable conversations in the aisles between agents, retailers and peers.
Q: What are your aims and objectives for the year ahead? GM: Despite the rocky road ahead, our aims and objectives are far from stagnant. As Shakespeare wrote, “Nothing comes of nothing” (I had to throw that in somewhere!). I aim to grow the team at TMFG to ensure that I can support retail partners and brands as effectively and efficiently as possible. With the continuous growth of all three brands and the introduction of a fourth, maintaining high standards is imperative. Like any company, our goal is growth. It’s crucial
that we work closely with our retail partners, listen to their needs, and act collaboratively to grow together. Legero has made the UK a focus market, which will bring more resources and opportunities, while Heavenly Feet is investing in marketing to raise the brand’s overall profile. For all brands, the objective remains consistent – to offer great products at great prices, supported by effective marketing.
Q: How are you finding the footwear sector in general? How do you ensure your brands remain relevant in this tough climate? GM: Perhaps because of my background, I’ve always loved the idea of “the theatre of retail” and the experience a consumer has when shopping in- store. Now more than ever this experience is vital to success. Consumers need a reason to buy; they work hard for their money so when they part with it they want an experience that matches the effort it took to earn it.
22 • FOOTWEAR TODAY • JANUARY 2025
“Consumers are willing to spend money – they just need a compelling reason to do so.”
I recently read that the luxury market is
struggling because it has lost its sense of luxury. Instead of being greeted in stores with champagne before spending thousands, customers are now given tickets to wait to be served. While it’s clear consumers are cutting back,
some parts of the retail sector are still very busy. In 2024, non-essential consumer spending increased by 35.8 per cent; this just shows that people are willing to spend money – they just need a compelling reason to do so. Within the theatre there are many more moving
parts than just the actors on the stage. It’s the same in retail. It’s imperative that the brands are supporting the retailers with commercial collections, strategic marketing support and realistic base margins; without margin retailers are finding it harder to make money. My ancestors have sold shoes through two
World Wars, four bad recessions, and 39 Prime Ministers, and while it may feel bleak now, neither I or my brother plan on being the last generation of Marshalls in the footwear sector!
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