Society of Shoe Fitters Summer Newsletter
Published: 20 May, 2011
Greetings from the new 2011 President – JAN PARRY It is a very great honour for me to have been elected President of the Society of Shoe Fitters. I hold the Society in very high esteem for all the hard work it has done over many years educating the footwear industryand public. The wealth of knowledge and expertise held by the members of the Society is truly impressive.
The Society was extremely important to my husband and myself when we bought a long established shoe retailing business in 2001 with very little knowledge of shoes and even less on fitting shoes correctly. One of the first things we did was to enrol on the Society of Shoe Fitters course, my husband in 2002 and I took the plunge in 2003. It was of invaluable help. We gained knowledge on footwear and fitting as well as the confidence to deal with customers. We now have a business that customers are prepared to travel distances to for the services we provide, and this in turn has enabled us to survive the difficult economic times.
Just recently we discovered that the original owner of our shop, Tom Davies was a founder member of the Society of Shoe Fitters, so it is good to know that we are continuing Tom’s enthusiasm in our locality for higher standards of shoe fitting.
We cater for the family and have two shops, a large children’s business in Pembroke Dock selling Clarks, Start-rite, Hush Puppies, Geox, Agatha Ruiz del la Prada and Garvalin, and in 2006 we opened a shop in Narberth selling only adult shoes. Both shops adult selection includes Clarks, K’s, Josef Siebel, Hotter, Reiker, Romika, Lotus, El Naturalista, Caprice, Dr Martens, D B Shoes, Barkers, Loakes, Anatomica, Crocs and Fit Flop. It is good to know that many of the brands we deal with are Associate Members of the Society, but I am hoping those who are not, will join us soon – it will benefit them as much (if not more) than it does the SSF, and for the price of two tanks of diesel!
As most of you know, it is not an easy time for the independent shoe retailer. Customers seem to be getting more difficult and probably have less to spend, prices are increasing, suppliers are keeping less stock, and we retailers are trying to keep everyone happy. On the other hand we have some great customers, parents who rely on our knowledge to protect their children’s feet, elderly people with foot problems, workers on their feet for long period and just people looking for quality shoes who come back season after season and are so grateful for our service that it makes us feel it really is worthwhile.
If you would like to be more involved, need our help, or have any information or service you would like to share with us, we shall be pleased to hear from you as the SSF relies on its members and voluntary Council. I believe that the future health of the nations feet will be closely linked to the future of the SSF and I shall do my very best to increase support, awareness and membership of the Society and hope you will help too.
Jan Parry
Council News
Our 51st AGM took place on Wednesday March 23rd followed by an Ordinary Meeting of the new Council. It was a busy meeting albeit not greatly attended. Over the years fewer members
have attended the AGM and we receive far fewer ‘apologies for absence’. It’s a great shame as these are recorded for posterity and it is great to look back on names over the past 50+ years. I am assured it is not just the SSF that has witnessed this malaise as it is a trend with smaller organisations, so I am hoping we can swell the numbers into the thousands over the next few years and see a few more of you! Now there’s ambition and positivity (bordering on delusional) – must keep taking the tablets haha!
Please be assured everyone is welcome to attend our AGM’s, but we do not close the doors on Ordinary Meetings either. You may be afraid to attend in case you are ‘drafted’ onto Council and ‘given a job’ (and I can see where you are coming from as it is always tempting to recruit new blood), but naturally the most important thing is to ensure that you have a chance to make a difference and an opportunity to have your say. We always enjoy a nice lunch and it is great to have a chance to air your views and meet like-minded people, so perhaps we will do better next time? Our meeting dates are listed in our Diary Dates.
One of the best reasons to attend the AGM would have been to give a fantastic round of applause toour outgoing President Mr. Bernard O’Brien of Tuam, S. Ireland and of course our lovely incomingPresident Jan Parry. Bernard has been charismatic and undoubtedly one of the hardest working Presidents we have ever had. I have not had chance to miss him yet as he is still emailing with trade news and keeping an eye on the media to see where we can make a difference. Bernard is a dedicated shoe man and thank goodness for him and those like him – the shoe trade would benefit from more of the same. The SSF presented Bernard with a ‘retro’ gold tie clip from Liberty’s in London as a small token of thanks for all the support he has given to members and the organisation.
It has been said in the past that the SSF concentrated on members in the South of the country, however having had an Irish President and now Jan Parry and her husband Francis from Wales we are certainly doing the rounds. Jan and Francis have been on Council for several years and have attended most Council meetings in that time. Their support both at meetings and MODA has been unwavering and therefore the presidency could not have been presented to anyone more worthy. With a daughter in the shoe industry (Clarks) the family have the best interests of the trade at heart.
We would like to thank all our outgoing Council as their commitment has been fantastic over the past two years – and more for some!
A special vote of thanks must be extended to Start-rite who continue to allow us use of their London showroom, Gwenda Carter and Tracey Manton who have agreed to be co-opted to Council when required, and to Keith Waddy who was responsible for our new student trophy and the refurbishment of the Presidential Chain of Office both of which will now look good for many years to come. Our new voluntary Council consists of the following members who we would also like to thank for their dedication:
Mr. Bernard O’Brien (Imm. Past President - Tuam),
Mrs. Jan Parry (President - Pembroke Dock),
Mrs. Ellie Dickins (Vice President - Hungerford),
Mr. John Allan (Hon. Treasurer - London).
Council Members (alphabetically) are: Mr. Charles Denton (Rushden), Mrs. Rosemary Gray (Peterborough), Mr.Francis Parry (Pembroke Dock), Mrs. Maureen Unsworth (Bolton), Prof. Wesley Vernon (High Peak, Derbys) and Mrs. Lesley Waddy (Epsom),
If you would like a copy of the Minutes of the AGM and 2010 accounts (members only), please email the Secretary as these can be emailed to you as a PDF document. Alternatively send an A5 S.A.E. and we will post a hard copy. If you wish to attend a Council meeting they start at 12.00 am (to make use of the cheapest travel), and are normally held at the Start-rite Showroom in central London near Oxford Circus (we can send you a map). We need 24 hours notice of your attendance – just so we buy the just the right amount of delicious lunch! Next meeting: Weds. July 13th.
Gauges:
Thanks to our members encouraging colleagues to take the course we have accumulated enough funds to go ahead with the Infant Foot Gauge. As you know we have the junior Brannock and adult Brannock, but we have known for some time that we needed a handheld infant one to complete the set.
We are looking at an investment of approximately £10,000 for ‘tooling up’ and placing a minimum order of 100 gauges, (so unfortunately they won’t be cheap – and no room for SSF profit), but I am sure many of you will be pleased to have them. We are currently obtaining quotes from various toolmakers, in fact the gauge we have in mind is currently at a toolmakers exhibition to invite tenders, so hopefully by the time the next newsletter is printed (early August) we will have confirmed an order – or indeed have them to offer you!
Style with Comfort!
www.josefseibel.co.uk
Bridging the gap between style and comfort for over 100 years, Josef Seibel is a
master at producing beautiful footwear to put that extra ‘spring’ in your step. The
autumn 2010 season launched new products which jumped into the best seller
arena. Military inspired Palmira (left) from the women’s collection in vibrant green
and natural bark led the way, and Kingfisher, offering the hiking look on a heel,
closely followed pushing Josef Seibel into the fashion environment with comfort
at the core.
For autumn 2011 new materials and progressive units will keep the brand on track to widen its
appeal with styles incorporating biker looks and metal work. The dressier elements of the range
continue to develop to allow Josef Seibel comfort to be worn in so many environments. Defined
heels with metalwork detailing compliment clean lines and simple designs.
But don’t forget the core range; styles such as Alison with adjustment, fit and comfort in
interesting leathers provide the necessary product to meet a demand
for Josef Seibel’s key consumer.
Josef Seibel has enjoyed one of its most successful years in 2010 for men’s
footwear. For 2011, rugged casuals in super soft leathers sit alongside versatile
footwear and dress product, all encompassing Josef Seibel know-how on the inside
and desirable looks on the outside. Josef Seibel supports great product offering with
national consumer advertising including Good Housekeeping, Country Living and
Prima magazines, relevant and innovative point of sale, stock backing and
knowledgeable and committed UK and Irish teams.
Martin Ingram, managing director of Josef Seibel in the UK and Ireland, comments,
“We look forward to presenting our new and extensive ranges to current and future
stockists of the Josef Seibel brand, to offer not only what they have come to expect
but also something new and exciting. Our loyal retailers rely on Josef Seibel to
produce excellent quality, stylish comfort footwear at competitive prices.”
Trade prices for Josef Seibel range from £25.21 / €30.22.
A/W’11 ranges will be launched at the key footwear shows:
• MODA Footwear, Birmingham 20th-22nd February. Stand Q21
• GDS, Dusseldorf, 16th-18th March. Hall 6. Stand A03
Representatives of the brand will be available for structured or relaxed viewing to offer advice and assistance as required.
For more information call the UK office on 01603 307860 or email enquiries@josefseibel.co.uk.
Press information: Jennie Petchey, Brand Development Manager, T: 01603 307860 E: jennie.petchey@josefseibel.co.uk
WWW.SHOEFITTERS-UK.ORG We need your feedback!
As you know we continually develop and update our website. Bearing in mind that it is not controlled by an outside party costing thousands of pounds, it is literally a basic programme that is updated in house, it appears to be doing a good job as we have had over half a million hits in the short time we have been online. It is an irony that we have to speak out against the retail of footwear online (albeit a necessity for most shops), but know that a website is vital to draw attention to our membership and to give accurate foot health information and education. Naturally any member featured on our Register of Members page with hyperlinks to their email and website addresses, has benefitted from their inclusion on the site, so do make sure your entry is up-todate.
Don’t forget that whilst you are a member you can also put a link to our website from your site too!We would like to add a new page! Many organisations feature a TESTIMONIAL page and our Council think it would be a good idea for us to do so too. If you are pleased with the SSF in some way and have something nice to say i.e. the course, help or advice on the phone, emailed information etc. then perhaps you would be kind enough to send in a little something – just a line or two would be great, just to let others know how diverse and worthwhile our support is. We will have to feature your name and either business name, town – or both (you can say how you wish to be styled) but do need your permission to add anything. I cannot take information from emails or letters you have already sent, so if you could take 5 minutes to send me something and write: ‘I agree the following may be used on the Testimonial page of the
SSF website’, it would be much appreciated. Our member Prof. Wesley Vernon OBE has kicked off the page with the following ….
"I previously learned about and was impressed by the activities of the Society of Shoe Fitters (SSF), and my increasing interest in this subject area, lead me to taking the membership examination and more recently joining the SSF Council. The SSF has a unique and important role to play in maintaining and improving the foot health of the nation and I believe that the organisation will go from strength to strength in the pursuit of this essential task"
– what a great way to start! Thank you Wesley. Don’t forget there is already a page dedicated to stock, fixtures and fittings, staff vacancies, businesses for sale etc. and we have been quite successful in putting people together to their mutual benefit (oooh sounds like a dating agency), so if you have anything you wish to add, just let us know. Email: secretary@shoefitters-uk.org
It is not too late to sign up for the SHOE TRADE GOLF – CHAMPIONSHIP, CARDEN PARK ON JUNE 15TH, 16TH AND 17TH 2011
Whatever your experience or handicap you will be made most welcome. If you do not wish to play, but may have a prize that you would like to donate, or would like further information, Entry Form etc. please contact: Rodney Gibson on 01162 434081 or rodney@leicesteruk.co.uk
A massive ‘GET WELL SOON’ – to Yvonne Ford (Tutor Richard Ford’s wife).
STUDENTS PLEASE NOTE: WORKSHOP 2 is on JUNE 8TH at D.B. Shoes. Invites are on their way!
In Spirit all Royal
Following a recent article in the Daily Mail about ‘Knit Your Own Royal Wedding’, we thought we would give it a bash! We ordered the kit from Ivy Press and one of my staff members - Chris, was knitting in-between serving customers. It attracted quite a lot of attention at Kristena Shoes.We put together a fabulous Royal Wedding window, just in time for the big day. All the shoes in the window were red, white or blue. We had a Marie Curie collection box in the shop and customers donated £1 each to Marie Curie and wrote their name and phone number on a card. Next week, we will choose one lucky customer who will be given the entire Royal Wedding knitted scene. Sally Hirzalla, Manager, Kristena Shoes, Fleet, Hampshire (Ed: Bet sales were up that week – brilliant marketing, is Chris taking orders – or perhaps she should start her own line in bootees?)
Did you know that the royal wedding pageboy shoes were made in
Norwich? At one time they would have been made by Royal Warrant holder Start-rite, but D & M Shoes, a small factory employing merely 4 people, were given 10 days to make the black patent, satin quilted lined, leather sole and heeled shoes with gold buckles, for Tom Pettifer and Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton.
Mr. Copland and Mr. Cubitt worked late into the night to complete them on time.
D&M Shoes also make for Black Rod and the tower Beefeaters – so if they
hadn’t finished the pageboy shoes in time, they would have been among friends!
James Southall & Company acquires retail chain
One Small Step One Giant Leap
Branded footwear wholesaler James Southall & Company, parent company
of the children’s shoe brand Start-rite, has acquired children's shoe retailer
One Small Step One Giant Leap (OSSOGL). The decision to purchase the
premium retailer supports James Southall & Company’s business strategy,
focused on extending distribution channels and routes to market, both
nationally and internationally. The acquisition will see James Southall &
Company gain 100% ownership of the shares of OSSOGL, which has eight
stores and six concessions including luxury London store Harrods, and
stocks a variety of children’s footwear brands including James Southall &
Company’s own brand Start-rite.
Peter Lamble, James Southall & Company Chairman and Start-rite Managing
Director said: “We see this acquisition as a positive move for both parties
involved and are extremely excited about the opportunities it brings. The
acquisition sees the successful bringing together of two companies with
complementary strengths, with James Southall & Company holding strong
logistic, digital, product and process capabilities and One Small Step One
Giant Leap the retail and buying experience required to ensure continued
outlet success. “The purchase of One Small Step One Giant Leap offers
our company an efficient way to add a high street presence to the existing
wholesale and e-commerce arms of the business and will enhance our multichannel
UK proposition. The move will also extend the reach of our Start-rite
brand, with the One Small Step One Giant Leap network of retail outlets
placed in a highly lucrative market for Start-rite, with department store
concessions being a strong route to market for our key brand.”
James Southall & Company does not envisage any immediate changes to be
made to either the operational or resourcing sides of the OSSOGL business.
OSSOGL outlets will continue to be run as multi-brand outlets and current
suppliers will be unaffected by the acquisition.
Ed: Since this release the OSSOGL warehouse has since been moved from
its London base to the SR Norwich H.Q.
Left: Well done member Caroline Doyle for appearing in the
Irish Business Post. Come on members who are you lobbying
for promotion?
HOT OT OFF THE PRESS!!!!
The Drapers Footwear Awards Winners were announced at a glittering ceremony
at London's Grosvenor House Hotel this week (May 11th) – which was a great
chance to relax among like-minded people. Thank you to Footwear Today
magazine for their invitation and subsequent invite from IFRA allowing us to
witness some of our members enjoying their accolades. Naturally it is
disappointing if you don’t get top spot….but it is still worth entering and a lot of fun.
There were not as many people attending this year, but the atmosphere was far more upbeat. (The secretary would like
to make this an excuse for any errors in this edition as she did not get home until 3 a.m. having enjoyed the hospitality a
little too much!). Many of our members were winners and finalists, so it was a proud night for the SSF. The categories
and winners are:
INDEPENDENT FOOTWEAR RETAILER OF THE YEAR – Spice, London
Finalists: (Highly Commended – Strolling for Shoes), Mostyn McKenzie/Street Stompers, Pam Jenkins.
BEST FOOTWEAR OFFER IN A FASHION MULTIPLE – Selfridges, London.
Finalists: (Highly Comm. – Marks & Spencer), New Look.
BEST NEW STORE – Common (Northampton)
Finalists: The Elves & The Shoemaker, The Natural Shoe Store, Red London and Strolling 4 Shoes.
COMFORT FOOTWEAR RETAILER OF THE YEAR – Footwise, London
Finalists: (Highly Comm. – The Footings), Worthing, Mostyn McKenzie, Strolling 4 Shoes.
FAMILY FOOTWEAR RETAILER OF THE YEAR – McKillen’s of Ballymena
Finalists: Stampede, Wards Shoes.
BUYER OF THE YEAR - Ruth Hammond of New Look
Finalists: Sheila Barry (Donaghys), Sam Drysdale (JLP), Diane Knight (JLP), Kevin Wisby (Russell & Bromley)
FOOTWEAR BRAND OF THE YEAR – Fit Flop
Finalists: Converse, Fly London, Melissa, Rieker, Ugg.
FOOTWEAR ETAILER OF THE YEAR – WWW.CLOGGS.CO.UK
Finalists: (Highly Comm. - Clarks), French Sole, Jimmy Choo, MES Footwork, Redfoot.
KIDS FOOTWEAR RETAILER OF THE YEAR – SHOOLIGANS OF HARROGATE
Finalists: (Highly Comm. – Doogies), Best Foot Forward, The Elves & The Shoemaker, The Red Shoes, Trendy Treads.
STUDENT DESIGNER OF THE YEAR – Meghna Kapoor, Isil Kusoglu, Fotini Pierroutsakou, Ulku Caglayan (London College of Fashion - LCF)
Finalists: Rebecca Keykes LCF, Amelia Veasey LCF, Angela Hartley, Chi-yu Lin & Philipp Schnarr LCF)
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD - Peter Bolliger, ex-MD of Harrods and Bally also Clarks 1994-2010 whose claim to fame was announced as ‘getting the over 35’s out of black and navy block-heel courts, ‘sexing up’ the marketing of the company with glossy ad. campaigns, and single-handedly saved the company from the scrapheap by closing UK factories. (Peter’s the second worthy winner of the Award but acknowledged for closing UK factories in favour of overseas production to keep a company solvent, so it would be nice if the next winner has kept the British worker/trade busy).
Congratulations to Jessica Brown Exec. Ed. of Drapers for making the evening a success (the food was certainly the best of all the awards and the evening entertainer superb) and to all those who took part. Let’s hope the winners (and finalists) will exploit the publicity virtues of their achievement. For more information: http://www.drapersfootwearawards.co.uk/
BREAKING NEWS: Henry Kaye of Sevenoaks – bridal footwear and accessories wholesale business is closing down – all stock must go!
NON PAYMENT OF SUBSCRIPTIONS: We are sorry to say that members who have not paid their subscriptions have now been taken off the mailing list and will be removed from the Website. We have given everyone plenty of time to pay this year due to the recession, but you will appreciate it is not fair on members who do pay on time to wait any longer. All promotion of the SSF must be removed from your premises and website as Trading Standards check our list annually and do spot checks of independent websites.
Any member can regain their subscription and be reinstated by contacting the Secretary: Email: secretary@shoefitters-uk.org.
On Tuesday 17th May the Secretary will be in Stoke Newington to talk to Hackney & Islington Older People Support Group. They are conducting a Best Foot Forward day. In a previous edition of the newsletter we asked if any member would be prepared to go – but no takers. However as promised we will be flying the flag and Hotter and Gemini Shoeswill be in attendance. The Secretary will be promoting our Associate Members at every opportunity!
THANK YOU TO SENIOR TUTOR: MAUREEN UNSWORTH F.S.S.F.for her sterling work at our Instore Training Days and Deluxe Courses
