It does nothing for the national pride, let alone the balance of payments, when every item you examine in the shops bears the words, "Made in China". But, the global economic crisis, not least in the way it is affecting the UK, is changing all that.

Sneaker freaks in the US and UK will be the first in the world to experience one of the most innovative iPhone applications to date - Your Reebok. They can fully customise, and have the option to buy, a pair of Reebok shoes through the Your Reebok application.  The groundbreaking app combines the revolutionary iPhone features such as touch, motion and GPS to create a consumer experience.

The Kensington Shoe Event opened on Sunday 22nd March 2009 and closed March 24th. According to the organisers, overall visitor numbers were down to around 300, however, for leading German ladies footwear producer, Peter Kaiser it was business as usual.

We had a visit from our M.P. last week. With a general election looming over the horizon I suppose he thought it would be a good idea to go and appear among the electors but as a counterproductive exercise this one took the biscuit.

Marketing, more specifically, advertising, is all about knowing what your customers want, tailoring your offering around that need and communicating the benefits you can offer them. If you stop telling customers why they should buy from you they will simply stop buying - they'll even forget about you.

The smell of a shoe isn't the first thing I look for (or smell for), but it was certainly the first thing I noticed when I opened the huge white box my size 11 Phoenix Brown & Orix Radical Boots came in. The aroma that greeted me hit me like a raging bull, running by me so close you could almost taste the leather. It was like being thrust into the very Mexican factory where these boots are hand crafted.

It does nothing for the national pride, let alone the balance of payments, when every item you examine in the shops bears the words, "Made in China". But, the global economic crisis, not least in the way it is affecting the UK, is changing all that.

Cris Stephenson, Divisional Managing Director, TNT Fashion Group maintains that speed to change is more important than speed to market:

"I was struck by a comment Sir Philip Green made on Radio 4 recently. Looking at pressure on retailers to be competitive in a rocky climate, he said that the supply chain is everything.

It's time to start looking ahead. Make this summer count by discovering brand new names, ideas and talent not seen elsewhere. This August let Moda take you into the summer season with a spring in your step.

 SATRA has developed a training package and laboratory test programme to help companies fully comply with EU regulation on chemicals (REACH) for products.

The joint venture partners Dachser and Logimasters are reorganising the business segments in Brazil and terminated their mutual joint venture with effect from March 31, 2009.

The internationally operating logistics provider is taking over all international business, which is to be consolidated in the newly founded "Dachser Brazil Logística Ltda." headquartered in Indaiatuba. From there, the logistics provider manages air and sea freight business, including existing partner connections. Furthermore, Dachser Brazil is to acquire 100 percent of the shares in Logiprojects and will thus also coordinate international special and project business from and to Brazil.

Independent retailers are upping the personal service ante to keep customers spending through the economic recession, according to Pure London.

While the majority of independents pride themselves on their high level of customer service, building relationships with loyal shoppers is now more important than ever as the UK retail sector continues to face a tough time ahead.

WedgeWelly boots are seen on the feet of many celebrities, they are fashionable, inspired by seasonal trends, AND super comfy because of the unique wedge design. 

WIN WIN WIN!

To be in with a chance of winning a pair of WedgeWelly boots (worth £35), simply send your name, job title, company, address and shoe size to us at pclappison@datateam.co.uk where we will select a winner (competition closes on 22^nd June 2009).

To discuss stocking the WedgeWelly boot or to request a sample, contact Mike Longthorn - The MONEY Maker @ WedgeWelly Ltd (01482 820654 / mike@wedgewelly.co.uk)