Q&A
Independent Footwear Retailer of the Month
Cheryl Taylor, Editor, talks to footwear retailer Donna Marshall of Stampede. Q&A
Name: Donna Marshall Shop(s): Stampede
Brands: Start-rite, Geox, Ricosta, Lelli Kelly, Skechers, Hummel, Froddo, Lurchi, Bobux Home town: Tunbridge Wells, Kent Family: My daughter (age 8) and my partner Keith
How did you get into footwear? Tell us about your background and your current business?
I bought Stampede following a diagnosis of Parkinsons Disease. I wanted to own by own shop and not work for someone else. I have a great team
of staff who cover me on the days when my Parkinson’s is too much.
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(s), the local area, your customers and their requirements? My shop is located in the middle of the town and I employ 9 staff (mostly part time). I have retained my core staff and my weekend staff are always led by an experienced member of staff. My customers are loyal. My customers know that I will never sell footwear to them unless they need them. They will always return to me until their children no longer fit into shoes from my store. I provide a shopping experience not just shoe fit service. The customers love the brands I sell, enjoy the relaxed atmosphere, and always leave in the knowledge the shoes have been fitted by a qualified member of staff.
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? I remember sitting on my sofa wondering what I could do to serve my customers and bring in some revenue. I spoke to a customer on the phone
30 • FOOTWEAR TODAY • MAY 2022
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