NEWS


Joya brings healthy footwear to London with brand new flagship store J


oya has opened a new flagship store in the heart of Central London. The brand said that this exciting development not only reintroduces healthy footwear in the city, but it marks a positive change in the


footwear retail sector following several store closures during the challenging pandemic period.


The new store, located just off Oxford Street, has been strategically launched to increase awareness of Joya Shoes and their health benefits. The brand said it is on a mission to transform the way people view and prioritise their foot health.


In an effort to support this, Joya is collaborating with a diverse group of local health specialists, including podiatrists and physiotherapists, who will actively engage with


clients to educate them about the advantages of healthy footwear.


One of the standout features of the new flagship store is its commitment to ensuring customers find the best fit for their needs; staff will provide free fitting appointments and offer foot-pressure scans to provide customers with knowledge about their unique footwear requirements.


“We are thrilled to announce the grand opening of our new Joya store in Central London,” said Lee Patten, Sales Director at Golden Concept, the UK distributor of Joya Shoes.


Speaking to Footwear Today at the launch event, he added: “The store will become a hub for individuals seeking healthier, more comfortable footwear options that prioritise both style and wellness. We invite all our customers to explore the comprehensive range of Joya shoes, experience personalised fitting services, and learn more about the transformative benefits of wearing healthy footwear.


“This exciting addition to the London retail landscape promises to make a significant impact in the quest for healthier, happier feet.”


Retail sales tumble as downturn enters its sixth month R


etail sales volumes fell sharply in the year to October, according to recent data from the Confederation of British Industry. Retailers do not anticipate a turnaround in the sector’s fortunes next month, it said, with sales volumes expected to continue falling in the year to November. The CBI’s Distributive Trades Survey showed that retail sales dropped to -36 per cent last month compared to -14 per cent in the year to


September. This marks the sixth month in a row in which annual sales have declined, and October’s level was the joint-worst October level since 2017, which at the time was the lowest reading for the month since records started in 1983.


In addition, CBI data from the survey also showed that internet sales volumes fell at the fastest pace on record too, -78 per cent in October from -3 per cent in September.


Martin Sartorius, CBI Principal Economist, said that as the festive period approaches, the retail sector remains in a “perilous position”, and that retailers expect the downturn in sales to continue next month, “albeit at a slower pace”.


He added: “While slowing inflation should help to bolster households’ income in the coming months, retailers will continue to face headwinds from higher energy and borrowing costs.”


Harrogate Fashion Week announces show dates for 2024 T


he Harrogate Fashion Week organisers have announced their event dates for 2024 – with both shows now open for three days. In February 2024, the show will take place on 4-6 February. The Summer edition will take place on 4-6 August. The February show sees the 10th edition of HFW, which is now a major player in the fashion trade calendar and has the largest collection of womenswear brands under one roof,


4 • FOOTWEAR TODAY • OCTOBER 2023


including special occasion wear, footwear and increasingly more accessory brands. Organisers Wendy Adams and Sarah Moody, said: “We are already receiving enquiries from boutiques all over the UK that want to book the 2024 dates in their calendars.”


Trade shows are very led by the brands that are showing, and the pair confirmed that over 80 per cent had rebooked their stands after the July event this year.


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