AW12 represents an exciting move on for the Van Dal brand. Whilst a consistent performer in the formal shoe listings in magazines such as Drapers and your very own Footwear Today the brand continues to make significant progress in modernising its collection and mainstream appeal. This season the brand has invested heavily in broadening its collection further still with new categories including waterproof boots, autumnal wedges and heritage inspired brogues and loafers. All add a contemporary mix to their core offering demonstrating a wider appreciation of changing consumer taste and trends which have been the starting point for the seasons development.

The best of both worlds – combined in innovative shoes and boots for a promising autumn/winter season.  When the world’s brand leader for waterproof, breathable membranes and the pioneering maker of lightweight shoes – LEGERO – bundle their combined innovative strength in a joint collection there is no room for compromise. Here are the highlights that will create a furore! Legero outdoor competence with GORE-TEX® inside. It couldn’t be better.

This Spring, Lunar will be exhibiting the magnificent Autumn/Winter `12 collection. The range is the largest ever offered by the brand with an even vaster array of fantastic styles, colours, and fabulous new materials.  Our Elegance collection, has gone from strength to strength, and with this season bringing more stunning modern platform styles, along with a good selection of low heel designs, it is certain there is a style to cater for every age or occasion.

The Richter autumn/winter collection 2012 features diverse colour shades, which offer excellent options for combinations. Intensive natural colours such as copper, honey and camel harmonize with accentuated colours such as terracotta, ochre and olive. The extensive colour palette ranges from cool colours such as grey, atlantic, cobalt blue and violet to warmer shades such as aubergine, port, petrol, blackberry and dusky pink. The children’s shoes collection, of course, would not be complete without bright colours such as fuchsia, orange, turquoise, apple and red.

A celebration of Marshall’s life was held in Clydebank, Glasgow on 12^th July, attended by well over 200 of his friends and colleagues. Marshall entered the shoe trade in 1963, joining Barkers of Earls Barton, and taking over from his Uncle as the Scottish agent.  Marshall was known as The Godfather of sales agents, organizing stockrooms with military precision, and fighting for reps rights; he famously fought for agents to be paid commission on shoes ordered not on shoes delivered !  During his time, he was also the representative for the Florida Group- Van-dal Shoes, Callaghan, Paul Green, and Ara.   

This year the Championship returns to Scotland for the first    time since 2001 at the North Berwick Golf Club and the Glen Golf Club.The illustrious West Links, and the North Berwick Golf Club have admirably stood the test of time, along with St Andrews, Prestwick and Muirfield it has protectedand maintained its traditions and high standards as one of the most celebrated Scottish links courses. Originally founded in 1832 it is also one of the oldest Golfclubs in the realm, and next year when the Open is at Muirfield it will be one of the main qualifying courses.

2011 was a more positive year for the British high street than initially anticipated as widespread discounting helped boost sales in the run-up to Christmas. Footfall in December rose by 5.1% compared to last year, with local High Streets benefiting the most from the increase in shopper numbers, according to a report from retail footfall specialist Springboard, featured by Pure London.

William Lamb Holdings Ltd has acquired the entire share capital of Rushton Ablett from Paul Ablett with immediate effect. The two companies have worked together for many years and have shared the same liaison offices in China since 2003. Paul Ablett and Ian Ferris have joined the board of William Lamb Footwear Ltd.

London – Clarks, the British heritage shoe brand, today announced the appointment of Nick Cullen to the role of Group Supply Chain Director. Nick will become a member of the Executive Leadership Team, reporting to Melissa Potter, Chief Executive. In this newly created role, Nick will work to unify the supply chain organisation for the entire Clarks group in order to deliver improved costs and customer service. His appointment reinforces Clarks’ business strategy of leveraging the scale of the combined UK, North American and international businesses.

Expo Riva Schuh, the most important international fair dedicated to the production footwear sector, closes today. The event, held at Riva del Garda from 14-17 January, concludes its 77th edition with 12,513 visitors, recording a substantial performance compared to January 2011.

KindredSole.com is up for ‘Footwear Brand of the Year’ at The Footwear Industry Awards. The awards promote high achieving brands and retailers. The brand was established in 2009 by Lizzie Leary and Beth Widdowson after graduating from Fashion Retail Buying at de Montfort University, Leicester.

We've starteda new page in Footwear Today this month (Jan). Called Best Sellers, we're setting up a panel of indepedent footwear retailers to find out about their star performers. We want to know your five best selling brands in each cateogory, each month, starting from December '11. In return we will feature you and your shop in our Retailer Of The Month page. We need to know your five best sellers overall, for Men Women and Children. Also, for Men's Comfort/Casuals, Men's Formal, Ladies Comfort/Casuals, Ladies: Fashion/Contemporary footwear, Ladies Formal, Ladies Boots. For Children, Pre-Walkers, Walkers and School Shoes. Contact Cheryl Taylor, editor, cheryltayloreditor@googlemail.com, Tel. 01622 862962.

Nominations for the Annual  Footwear Industry Awards have now closed and voting began on 12^th December: Society Members can vote for themselves (if they have been nominated) or for others they would like to promote/reward (see award categories below) via www.footwearindustryawards.com/voting, or by email to: jandrews@datateam.co.uk. John has promised you strict confidentiality. The Awards are:

For the 12^th year running, this February 2010 will see the return of trade shows LondonEdge and London Central to London’s Olympia National Hall which is joined for the second time by The Ledge Show, increasing their sector coverage from alternative and streetwear to skatewear clothing, hardwear and accessories.

BCM Imports, which has been creating footwear under the Nitelife brand since 2005, has announced that all new products are now being produced under the Erosella brand, aptly named after “Eros” the God of Love. Under the Erosella Collection Label, Erosella Footwear will replace the Nitelife-Footwear brand which will be phased out. There are two new collections which compliment the footwear, a Dancewear Collection and a Lingerie Collection.

With a great start to the new season’s courses this September, the Society of Shoe Fitters are going to go on booking the 10 month course through to the end of February until the start of their new 5 month course – 1st  March 2012. The new course format is allowing them to be far more flexible and in tune with people’s needs as they have reduced the number of Workshops from three to two, but are repeating them within the same year, so if students miss one they don’t have to wait too long to attend the one they’ve missed.  Another change taking place is the presentation of their qualification.  Whereas students who completed their coursework early had to wait until Workshop 3 to receive their certificates, goodie bags etc., now they will be sent immediately upon approval of their Tutor.

George Gummers, BSc. Hons London University, qualified as a leather chemist and spent the first part of his adult life working as a leather tanner. Before many years had passed, he became Managing Director of Millom Leathers, Cumbria. When manufacturing collapsed in the late 1970s George decided to open a shoe shop, as he felt his knowledge of leather and his obvious contacts in the trade would provide a good basis for a business. He opened Footlight in Millom in 1979. Two years later, in 1981, he took over the footwear retai1ers F.Dickinson in the centuries-old Cumbrian town of Ulverston, when the owners were retiring.

“Retailers are being squeezed by increased rates and reduced traffic, and something needs to be done to help our high streets,” warns Rupert Eastell, Head of Retail at Baker Tilly. “The Portas report provides a call to action at a critical time. Regardless of whether you love her or hate her, Mary Portas’ report should stimulate debate about the future of the British high street and if it leads to just one high street making changes for the better, it will be a success.

Smaller retailers in the fashion trade often just can’t compete with the website budgets of the big retailers selling online – or else it can be a serious squeeze to pay website design costs. Now, with brand new website building package Mr Site Storefront, new and established fashion and accessories retailers can create an e-commerce shop to challenge even major e-retail sites like Topshop and ASOS.

Splats is a brand new high tech functional footwear label with an urban twist. Launching in February 2012 with rainSplats – these ‘go to’ boots are waterproof, breathable and flexible making them ideal for Spring showers, Summer rain and Autumn downpours. Unlike Wellies that are clumsy, unsupportive and hard to wear all day, rainSplats have a form fitting insole and adjustable Velcro strap allowing kids to run, jump, climb, cycle, scoot and splash without fear of water running into their boots.

Rieker the world’s leading antistress footwear brand has taken inspiration from the East for their 2012 Spring/Summer collection. Rieker has used an array of colours and jewel embellishments that is set to be a huge fashion statement.

Rieker knows what men expect from footwear and for Spring/Summer 2012 versatility and comfort is key. The style is set to be a little more laid back with casual styling. Two tone uppers with stripes and textures are both big news for 2012. The shoes look great with linen trousers or shorts. Browns and taupes are popular themes but blues and greys are also making an appearance.

Next year GDS - International Event for Shoes & Accessories – and GLOBAL SHOES – leading trade show for sourcing – will be held from 14 to 16 March and from 5 to 7 September 2012. For the dates from 2013 various surveys are currently being conducted at home and abroad in order to identify visitors’ and exhibitors’ views and wishes.

JJ Footwear is using its Facebook page to announce that it is looking for UK models to wear its lovely range of boots. The scheme was first run in Holland and proved very successful, according to Nina Townsend, UK Business Manager, JJ footwear:  “All the ladies featured on our website are our customers and we have found that it is a fantastic way to spread the message about our range.

Clarks Originals role within the history of music and style comes alive once more this Spring Summer 12 as the iconic footwear brand celebrates a limited edition British Rock Royalty inspired collection of Desert Boots. ‘Rock Royalty’ is a quartet of limited edition Desert Boots reworked in a salute to four of music’s greatest moments. From the magical mystery of psychadelia to the shimmering swagger of glam. From the three chord trash of punk to the rocksteady beat of rudeboys and girls, the Clarks Originals Desert Boot has been along for the ride. So what better way to celebrate than with a homage collection to the defining moments that shaped style as we know it.

World-renowned shoe designer Jimmy Choo has been honoured for his outstanding achievements in the footwear industry. As part of its annual recognition of the world’s most outstanding Chinese designer, the Hong Kong Design Center (HKDC) has awarded Dato Professor Jimmy Choo OBE with its 2011 accolade.

The University of Northampton’s School of Science and Technology and Institute for Creative Leather Technologies recently welcomed Mukhtarul Amin, Managing Director of the Superhouse Group in Kanpur, India, to Park Campus where he signed a memorandum of understanding with the University.

Clarks Village Outlet Shopping Centre in Somerset was awarded the prestigious Green Apple Environment Award at the Houses of Parliament last week. Clarks Village, which is managed by specialist retail property management, REALM Limited, on behalf of Hermes and LaSalle, was presented with the award at the exclusive ceremony in Westminster on the 15th November. They received the award for their outstanding contribution to an environmental project that allows for the outlet centre to develop multiple recycling streams.

MBT is pleased to announce the appointment of Ben May as managing director for the UK and Ireland.Joining the pioneering footwear brand’s leadership team in the UK and Ireland, Ben, who also oversees operations in Spain, Portugal and Andorra, has been tasked with continuing to drive forward the success of the brand, which celebrates its 15^th anniversary this year. 

Retail sales figures show good news for the high street and even better news for online retailers
Official figures today reveal promising news for retailers. Data from the Office of National Statistics show sales figures to be considerably higher than the same period last year. With the weather set to take a turn for the worse and more people feeling a pinch in their pockets, online shopping sales have surged as people look for good deals.

Skechers launched their new GOrun running shoe, at a party on Thursday, November 10 at Luxury London department store Harrods. The event was held at the new Skechers GOrun shop-in-shop on Harrods' refurbished sports floor (5^th floor) and was attended by singer, TV star and avid runner Peter Andre.

Clarks Originals role within the history of music and style comes alive once more this Spring Summer 12 as the iconic footwear brand celebrates a limited edition British Rock Royalty inspired collection of Desert Boots.

Clarks Originals are giving music fans the opportunity to get their hands on one the hottest gig tickets of the year, with the chance to join Little Dragon for an intimate show at Rough Trade East on November 25^th at 7:00pm.

New ‘safe’ ballet style pumps are this year’s must-have school fashion footwear! A new craze for Mary Jane style ballet pumps is sweeping the UK as teenagers begin to heed warnings about the long-term dangers of the standard fashion ballet shoe. Teenagers are now seeking alternatives including The Premier Shoes For Girls from www.itsgotsoul.co.uk, which have echoes of the Mary Jane styles that took the US by storm with their classic and timeless look.

Heritage footwear brand Loake will increase its presence in the UK market with the opening of a London store this autumn. The new shop in Piccadilly’s Prince’s Arcade will open in mid November and showcase the English shoemaker’s craftsmanship.

Abingdon, UK, 7 November 2011: P2i, the world leader in liquid repellent nano-coating technology, has coated 1,200 pairs of the brand new Magnum H4H running trainer: V-Lite Intrepid HPi H4H, free of charge in a bid to help raise £10,000 for the ‘Help for Heroes’ charity

On Friday 4 November, Guy West, who founded Jeffery-West shoes with childhood friend Mark Jeffery in 1987, came to Leicester to share his knowledge of footwear design with DMU’s students. In An Audience with Guy West, the renowned designer delivered a masterclass to (BA) Hons Footwear Design students, talking about his diverse career and the lessons he has learned in almost 25 years as a men’s shoe designer.

For Spring / Summer 2012 Hush Puppies launches its second season collaboration with fashion designer Anna Sui.  The collaboration for Spring/Summer 2012, takes on a fresh and fun new twist to footwear that can only be the influence of the designer known for her hip and exuberant style.  From delightful cherry ornaments on colourful sandals to kissing fish embellishments on canvas wedges, the product exudes summer style with a fun but chic edge. The feminine silhouettes feature bold stripes and colours with combinations of materials including snake print and patent.

Sweatshop, the leading running specialty retailer in the UK, has chosen Footbalance as it´s custom insole and foot analysis solution. Stocking Footbalance further supports the retailer’s emphasis on service and expertise. Sweatshop staff will deploy the Footbalance system to more efficiently help customers select the right shoes for their own foot type and to customise their selection for a perfect fit.

"Retail Technology are pleased to be a part of the new footwear industry awards and delighted to be sponsoring the “Best Use of Technology/EPOS Award.”', said Kim De Sylva, "It is fantastic to see the support and involvement of more of the industry associations in the Footwear Awards, which will undoubtedly be a larger, more prestigious event."

Joining luxury department stores Harrods and Harvey Nichols as well as top British fashion houses such as Burberry and Mulberry, UGG® Australia will open a flagship store on Brompton Road, Knightsbridge on Friday, 4 November 2011. UGG® Australia, Knightsbridge will carry the brand’s complete range of footwear collections along with handbags, outerwear, and cold weather accessories from the autumn 2011 collection, ranging from classic styles to high-fashion footwear for women, men and children. The

Spartoo.com, Europe's number one online shoe store, is still carrying on with its international development, with an increase of more than 350 % in 2011 in Europe, especially in the United Kingdom. Launched in 2009 in the United Kingdom, Spartoo.com sold more than one million pairs of shoes in the first months of 2011 in Europe. The group has also bought his English competitor www.Rubbersole.co.uk

There is a lot going on with the British Footwear Association – your trade body –

Vanilla Moon are very honoured to be co sponsors of the New Footwear Awards

It all began one Saturday night, Glastonbury on TV and the WedgeWelly trio on the sofa.  V Festival was the topic of conversation, Laura and Sarah were all wrapped up in fashion, frantically discussing what to wear, hair and footwear!  So in this moment during a conversation about much loved high heels and rubber Wellies, WedgeWelly was born.  

The Footwear Friends Annual Awards are now in their fifth year and in that short time, have been recognised by the trade as an important way of spotting and rewarding British talent in the Footwear Industry. The winners in the various categories are:

"Rieker is delighted be involved in these new Footwear awards and especially pleased to be sponsoring the Best Ladies Independent Retailer Award. The independent retailer has a very challenging task running their business especially in the current economic climate. Rieker is honoured to be able to put their name to an award that recognises this hard work. We are sure that the night will prove to be a huge success and will become one of the highlight evenings of the year for the Footwear Industry."  said Chris Gorrod, Managing Director of Rieker.

"New York cool with a European twist" - Le Bunny Bleu, the New York based footwear brand that’s taking the continent by storm present their Fall/Winter collection in the UK in conjunction with the launch of their flagship store at Westfield, Stratford on 15 October 2011. The collection channels retro influences and attention to detail with hand knitted decoration and classic styles perfect for the weekend, work and play. Signature pieces include the avant-garde oxford brogues, classic ballet flats, vibrant slip-ons and innovative water resistant wool boots.

Nick West of the footwear agency Compass Footwear (responsible for Spanish brand Garvalin and Danish brand Bisgaard) is a big supporter and fundraiser of various trade events.  Nick was therefore delighted to hear that Datateam are pulling the industry together to reward many unsung hero's of the trade and has already enlisted Garvalin as a sponsor for the Children's Retailer of the Year Award. "The timing to coincide with MODA and knowing all the trade media are involved is a double bonus because networking and promotion is key to all our businesses" said Nick  "This is not a good time to bury one's head in the sand and hope the good bits will exceed the bad bits - you have to get out there and make it happen and this event will help."

 Industry leaders welcome major Footwear Awards event: Commenting on the Footwear Awards – an annual event for the industry, run by the industry, which will be held on 19^thFebruary  to coincide with the Moda Show, at the Forest of Arden Hotel, a Marriott Hotel and Country Club,  only 4 miles from Birmingham NEC - Richard Kottler, CEO of the British Footwear Association, said: “The Moda Show is an important one for BFA member companies and we are delighted that a major Footwear Industry Awards event is planned for the coming Spring edition. The list of Award categories covers many of the sectors represented by BFA members and we are sure they will give the event an enthusiastic response and ensure the evening will be successful – and fun !

“This year’s Footwear Friends Annual Awards is going to be even bigger and better than last”, proclaimed Charity President Richard Kottler.  “We have had extraordinarily good quality entries from young designers and entrepreneurs and I think our ‘dragon’s den’ team are going to be hard pushed to make a decision when they meet in a week’s time.” The fully sponsored Footwear Friends Annual Awards is now in its 5^th year and during this time has become an established way of recognising and rewarding British talent.

"I am absolutely delighted that The Florida Group has been nominated as one of 6 finalists in the 2011 EDP (Eastern Daily Press) Business Awards. We are nominated in the prestigious "Barclays Business of the Year" category, said the Group's Managing Director, Tony Linford

British shoe care company Cherry Blossom are pleased to announce the launch of Cherry Blossom Premium, an extensive range of shoe and foot care accessories. The comprehensive range features insoles and footbeds, gel cushions, foot pads and heel grips, for all year round whatever the season. The collection also includes a range of shoe care accessories such as shoe trees, boot shapers and brushes.  Each category is colour coded for ease of use and choice selection, ensuring maximum comfort in all types of footwear.

Outline of the benefits of Membership of the Independent Footwear Retailers Association (IFRA): IFRA provides an individual forum for those whose main professional activity is the retailing of footwear.  Because we share many common problems – and opportunities – we are able as a group (not as individual traders) to find relevant answers and to assist each other in such areas as improving relations with our suppliers, relations with our staff, relations with our local authority and, critically, greater profitability.