Cheryl Taylor Editor, talks to Alison Ewbank of Happyfeet, Cromer, Norfolk. We cater from pram to teens, and are always happy to check the children’s
Q&A:
Name: Alison Ewbank Shop: Happyfeet, Cromer Norfolk.
Brands: Ricosta, Petasil, Skechers, Geox, Bobux, Primigi, Crocs and Petasil
How did you get into footwear? Tell us about your background and your current business? I was working in an adults shoe shop in Sheringham, Norfolk, when I first entered the shoe industry. I then decided that I enjoyed selling shoes, but also enjoyed working with children, so decided to combine the two. I opened Happyfeet nearly ten years ago now.
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? Our shop is located just as you drive into Cromer town centre. I employ two members of staff, and thankfully do not have a high turnover of staff as all the people I have employed have shared my love of shoe fitting, good customer service and having the pleasure of watching our little customers grow over the years. Cromer is a small seaside own with lots of attractions including a pier,
museum, zoo, lovely beaches and much more. We have a lot of local customers and also a lot of returning ones who sometimes travel quite some distance to come and see us each year, it is always lovely to catch up with the families and their children and watch them grow.
28 • FOOTWEAR TODAY • MAY 2017
shoes they are currently wearing before deciding as to whether our customer needs new shoes or not, we also encourage regular trips for checks and also guide the parents on foot health and growth so they are aware of how many months their child should need to go before another visit. We are also recommended by several hospitals for children that wear splints due to our experience in fitting, and that I always look out for styles that can accommodate a splint wearer when I go buying.
Do you have an online shop/website and do you use social networking for business? We have a website which is for information only, and we use our Facebook page to communicate and display all the new ranges as they arrive.
How are you finding the footwear market currently? We are finding the footwear market is working well for us currently.
What’s selling well? Any particular trends? Which are your best selling footwear brands – and why? Our customers love our European brands as they offer great designs and colours, and are very good quality. Our best selling brands currently are Ricosta, Geox, Bobux, Primigi and Petasil.
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 to us as we are looking after children’s developing feet and care greatly about foot health. We are not currently members of the Society of Shoe Fitters.
Does your shop sell other items besides children’s footwear, bags, gloves, tights, socks, below the ankle products? We stock men’s and ladies Skechers, Crocs and Reef flip flops, and are awaiting our first delivery of Oak & Hyde ladies and men’s. We also stock rucksacks, socks and in winter gloves and hats.
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