Q&A


Do you have a favourite footwear agent you can tell us about?


I’m really lucky to have a good relationship with my reps, they give me great advice when I ask for it and we work together to make the right choices for my shop. I would have to say my longest working relationships are with Marcus Baker and (Terry McIntosh who has just left the brand) for Superfit. Anthony, Mark and Lyn for Ricosta and Shoesme, Pauly for Froddo and Inga for Bobux. There are never any pushy sales, just honest feedback to my questions. Any issues which are far and few between are dealt with quickly and fairly. They are indeed a great asset to each of their brands and it would be a much more difficult task without them.


Have you always had a passion for footwear? How many pairs of shoes do you own? Do you have a favourite pair?


No not always, but being around them for 33 years increased my passion for them. I must be honest and say I’m not really sure how many pairs of shoes I have. I do know my husband and daughter are unaware of how many pairs I own. But it


is definitely over 50. Legero are my favourite, especially a full leather high top that are a joy to wear for both looks and comfort.


Any famous customers?


Yes I have quite a few now and sometimes I am not aware until my niece or daughter point it out to me. But like all my customers they get the best possible service, but for their privacy I would rather not say who they are.


How do you think the Government could best help footwear retailers at this difficult time, i.e. lower business rates, rents, VAT etc?


What is your favourite men’s footwear brand/manufacturer – ditto ladies/children’s brand – and why?


To be honest, I couldn’t choose such one from the amazing brands I carry. Quality, style and a great fit are so important to me which is why I love the children’s brands I carry but especially Superfit, Ricosta, Bobux and Froddo. I don’t carry adults’ shoes, but I personally wear Legero and love them for their comfort, style and value.


How do you select your products – which criteria do you use / what are your customers looking for?


Quality and value for money every time. The brands I carry supply that in every style alongside a great looking shoe that is loved by parents and children alike. I trust my brands and the reps, we work as a team in creating the best range for each season. I refer to the constant notes I write down during the course of each season, this includes feedback from my customers. My daughter also has a good eye for what works and you need young blood to keep on trend.


Which footwear/fashion shows do you usually attend, how do you rate them? Are you planning to attend a Show this year, if so, which one(s)? Moda is the best show for me, it suits my need and I’ve been going for years. It’s a great way to get a feel for the next seasons looks and to see if you can pick up any new trends that could work in my shop. I usually do about 75% of my buying at Moda.


20 • FOOTWEAR TODAY • JUNE/JULY 2021


I think the government have gone some way to helping us as shoe retailers, but the future for many is still very precarious so lowering business rates for the next year would be a great help. I don’t pat VAT as I only have children’s shoes but it would be great if there was a VAT cut on adult shoes. Personally, I got no leeway from my landlord, I had to pay full rent all the way through my 31 weeks closed in total. But it is true to say the rent is some areas is dangerously high when we are living in such uncertain times. I will also add that I wrote to the Government asking why they did not consider fitting shoes for children a necessity, that is surely preventing problems in the future with their hips and back, not to mention ingrown toenails, blisters and corns due to ill-fitting shoes? I am sorry to say all I got back was ‘we do not consider the opening of shoe shops to be an essential’. Which of course I found unbelievable when good foot health only comes with properly fitting shoes.


Do you have any plans for the future?


My plans for the future are to keep growing the business, to keep listening to my customers and to stay true to my ethos of high quality fitting, great brands and loving what I do.


Contact Marie’s Shoes


259 East Barnet Road EN4 8SX


0208 441 1119 Facebook: @mariesshoes Instagram: @maries_shoes_ebv


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