Footwear-OCT20-P29 Society of Shoe Fitters_Footwear_Jan10_p30 19/11/2020 19:50 Page 29
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
UPDATE FROM THE SOCIETY OF SHOE FITTERS President’s Report – Mrs. Rosemary Gray F.S.S.F.
‘My SSF membership means so much to me, I enjoy tutoring and meeting students at workshops’. At the time I wrote this I was preparing to retire from working with member James North at North Shoes, an amazing independent that has multiplied into several beautifully presented shops, selling high quality products. Staff are all qualified on the SSF Footwear &
Fitting Course, so the entire retail environment is completely professional. They are fitting emporiums for men, women, and children. I meant this wholeheartedly, so much so that on further reflection I accepted the invitation to carry on working part time! I can hear some of you saying ‘you’re banana’s Rosemary’ , but the satisfaction of helping a person who has very misshapen feet, or a specific illness – or simply looking for a comfortable shoe for a special event, really is rewarding and satisfying. I am also thrilled to receive a Fellowship from
the Society at the Footwear Awards, so I am now an honorary F.S.S.F. A Fellowship is given to those who have been dedicated to the Society over many years, has served on Council and worked in other ways to further the aims of the Society and the skill of shoe fitting. Thank you to our voluntary Council for
rewarding me with this honour. I was deeply shocked when it was read out, apparently my face was a picture, but the audience response was well worth my reaction and emotion. There must be millions who need specialised shoe fitting, but their local retailer has been forced out of business, doesn’t have the knowledge to help, or the public
are unaware there are qualified shoe fitters and footwear that can help them. How many parents think it is perfectly
acceptable to buy shoes online for their children not realising that one style will fit in a size, another wont? Being in pain is unpleasant and damaging, it is ageing too and costs our health service. Covid-19 is forcing many to shop online and the situation going forward is likely to get worse – or is it? Are we sick of online? Private practice podiatrists may benefit, but not the NHS, and I feel sorry for many infants that will not be monitored regularly and cannot speak up and say: ‘these hurt’. The damage is like a fault line in the soil, it may not be immediately obvious, but one day it will become a huge hole for the NHSto plug. Members of the SSF and the CFHR feel it is
appalling that measuring gauges are being sold directly to the public too. If they were sold as ‘growth monitors’ with measurements not corresponding to shoe sizes, it would not be a problem, but parents buy the gauges to buy shoes and without realising what goes into measuring and fitting professionally. The likelihood of buying the wrong size is more than likely and then shoes need returning. Fine if the child is of the age (or confident enough) to complain – but many wont. The irony is that it probably deters the parents from buying the brands that are supplying the gauges – well why would you bother? Many shops use a measuring gauge too, but do not understand that it is merely the starting point. Not the fault of the staff, they are given a gauge and a 10 minute chat from the owner (who
probably hasn’t fitted shoes for years, or is not highly skilled themselves), so how do they know any different? But if their staff had the right training so they understood foot health problems, how shoes are made and perform in wear, how to adapt a shoe to fit etc., they are likely to sell more shoes that won’t come back, to people who will! Training can be offset against tax and if staff are
not worth investing in, then that speaks volumes. It is just like playing golf – a good golfer would be a great golfer with lessons. Any retailer who invests in our Footwear & Fitting Course, is really putting something back into society as well as their till and I am very glad I had the opportunity to learn the right way. I do what I do, the best that I can - and it is a good way to face the working day. We are always pleased to see Children’s Foot
Health Register members enrolling staff on the Footwear & Fitting Course. They often have dedicated people working for them that have been measuring feet and fitting quality shoes for years, so why not encourage them to take our Entrance Application instead of the Course? It costs little, but a successful outcome qualifies them as a member. We all need a boost occasionally and there is a feel-good factor at receiving your certificate and badges of membership, as well as the kudos for the business. The SSF and CFHR provide the public with a vital portal into the best possible shops, selling the best possible shoes and there has never been a better time to remind the public you are well worth a second visit! Keep safe – until the next time…
Rosemary Gray F.S.S.F. - President OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2020 • FOOTWEAR TODAY • 29
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