Q&A
Footwear Retailer of the Month Cheryl Taylor, Editor, talks to footwear retailer Paul Lamb of
Sims Footwear. Q&A
Name: Paul Lamb Shop: Sims Footwear
Brands: Art, El Naturalista, Fly London, Tamaris, Mjus, Oxygen, Zaxy, Ipanema, Ruby Shoo, Yokono, Irregular Choice, Marco Tozzi, Roka, Adesso, Camper, Birkenstock, John White, Blundstone, Base London, Silver Street, Chatham, Front and Azor.
Hometown: Birmingham.
How did you get into footwear? Tell us about your background and your current business?
We’ve been trading in Birmingham city centre for over 30 years. When we started back in the late 80’s we would have described ourselves as
Sims Footwear, Birmingham
a fashion footwear retailer ... probably wouldn’t use that description anymore.
I was a sports buyer for a small sports business and wanted to do something on my own. Family friends had a footwear business, so I had a helping hand to start. Footwear was a pretty exciting environment back then :-)
Where are your premises located and how many people do you employ? Do you have a high turnover of staff? Tell us about your shop, the local area, your customers, and their requirements? We are situated in Great Western Arcade, a beautiful listed Victorian shopping area. We’ve had a few shops within Birmingham city centre and have had a shop within the arcade for over 20 years. Just 2 members of staff. Claire who has worked with me for over 20 years and Becky who has worked with us for over 10 years. Normally would have two or three students working over weekends and holidays but due to the economic pressure of Covid we’re coping with just the three of us. I would like to think we’re well thought of and well known due to our presence over the years.
How has Covid-19 impacted your business? Tell us about your experiences, the difficulties you have encountered and how you have managed/are managing/trying to overcome these?
12 • FOOTWEAR TODAY • MARCH 2022
DOWNLOAD THE FOOTWEAR TODAY APP NOW SPONSORED BY
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40
