out on a limb

ISSUE 51 FEBRUARY/MARCH 2009

News

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THE show season is nowunderway and the debateover whether to spend onshort or long orders is hottingup.

This issue we hear fromseveral brands that arehelping the independentretailer by keeping collectionsin stock and cashing in onsmall orders – however many others are movingahead with their winterranges.

But what do store ownersprefer? And how doyou get out of a slump whenyou have stock lingeringon your shelves thatyou can’t afford toreplace?

Let us know what yourbuying plans for the year areand whether they arechanging to match the highstreet slowdown.

On that note, the financialclimate is still causing waves,but the latest research hassuggested that although highrisk business models are setto fail in the coming months,those that have played it safewill profit.

We also meet a designerwho took a student brainwave and turned it into abrand new style of shoeand a children’s footwearstore owner who keepscustomers entertained bystocking toys as well asshoes.

Finally, we are lookingforward to one of thebiggest shows of the year,Moda, and the host ofestablished brands andnew names that will beshowing off their latestcollections.

Debateoverorders ishotting up

Ex-soldier strikes dealfor sports footwearBy Louise Cordell

A FORMER soldier is aiming torevolutionise sports footwear in theUK after striking a deal with a Texas-based running shoe company.

Alastair Dodds has become the firstperson in the UK to sell shoes onbehalf of Texas-based SpiraFootwear, which uses WaveSpringtechnology to increase runningperformance and help preventinjuries.

The shoe design uses coiled springsin the mid-soles to lessen stress onthe body, reducing impact force byaround 20 per cent and retaining upto 96 per cent of the energy that isusually lost into the ground.

He said: “I stumbled across Spira ona business trip to Texas and from themoment I tried them on I knew I hadfound something special.

“I have been a keen runner for 15years so I have plenty of experienceof what helps improve performanceand I just couldn’t believe that theseshoes had never reached the UKmarket.”

The brand’s fans already includeBritish champion ultra distancemarathon runner Sharon Gayter and

the shoes have also received positivereviews from Running Fitness andMen’s Fitness magazines.

Alastair added: “I really think thisfootwear can revolutionise theindustry – the technology beatsanything else on the market handsdown.

“What drew me to the product wasthat it really does ‘what it says onthe tin’ – and while they are greatfor any runner, I think they will beespecially popular with slightly olderpeople or anyone else who wants totake good care of their joints.”

Alistair is now selling the Spira shoes

through his online shop and islooking for independent retailers,especially specialist sports footwearstores, interested in stocking theproduct.

He added: “For me this year is allabout the launch and my aim is toget the shoes into as many retailersas possible so that people can seethe product and decide forthemselves.

“Many aren’t familiar with the name as it has never been in the UK before but I think oncepeople are encouraged to try themthe results will speak forthemselves.”

Spira founder Andy Krafsur and Alastair Dodds

Rescue bidis launchedA RESCUE package has beenlaunched by Stylo Plc to try and savestruggling divisions Barratts andPriceless.

The two high street shoe shop chainshave gone into administration due to‘challenging retail conditions’ –although currently they have notbeen closed and are continuing totrade as normal.

Across the UK, the chains employ5,450 in 400 stores and both areowned by the Bradford-based parentcompany – which is not inadministration but its shares havebeen suspended.

Stylo’s aim is now to get thebusinesses back on their feet byreducing costs, closingunderperforming outlets, improvingmanagement teams and reducingstock levels.

Stylo said it did not anticipate anyshort-term improvement in tradingconditions, claiming: “Against thisbackground, the board hasconcluded that current and projectedsales cannot support the current costbase of the business, in particular thehigh rent obligations. Therefore amore proactive restructuringapproach is required to return thebusiness to profitability."

CLEAN lines and simple silhouettesmake up the latest collections formen, women and children from HushPuppies.

The autumn/winter 09 range seesthe return of old style staples like theChelsea Boot, but with a new twist.

Banana heels and pixie toes featurein the women’s collection in coloursincluding slates,greens and reds.

The AW09children’s collectionfocuses on currenttrends with buttontrims and fur liningfor girls and ruggedsoles and velcrofastenings for boys.

The fitted school

shoes range has also been expandedto include more adult styles, adaptedfor the Fit Left, Fit Right fittingsystem.

Finally Hush Puppies is set tointroduce a new Premium Range,designed to cater for the boutiquemarket, and featuring high qualitymaterials and designs including‘mini’ girls’ riding boots.

Hush Puppieskeep it simpleand clean ...

Contents Issue 51 February/March 09

Classic tailoring makes a comeback

Offering a helping brand

Stef is walking tall

Look ahead to Moda starts on

New collection down the Tube

A new way of walking

Shake, rattle and sole ...

Brand sales best in 30 years

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15

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SalesTony Barry - Sales & Marketing Director

Beverley Green - Sales Manager([email protected])

Karrie-Anne Nowell - Sales Executive([email protected])

Advertising ContactsTel: 01226 734333 | Fax: 01226 734477

EditorialAndrew Harrod - Group Editor

Judith Halkerston - Group Deputy Editor

Nicola Hyde - News Editor

Louise Cordell - Editor

Christina Eccles - Reporter

Mary Ferguson - Reporter

Lyndsey Smith - Reporter

Editorial ContactsTel: 01226 734694 | Fax: 01226 734705Email: [email protected]

Design & ProductionStewart Holt - Studio Manager([email protected])

Kyle Wilkinson - Design & Production([email protected])

Circulation01226 734695 (24 hour hotline)Email: [email protected]

COVER STORY

NEWS

SPOTLIGHT

PREVIEW

NEWS

PRODUCT

RETAIL REVIEW

NEWS

IN hard times it is comforting to lookback with rose-tinted glasses andHush Puppies’ men’s collection seeksinspiration from bygone classics.

As classic tailoring makes acomeback on the catwalks, HushPuppies create a collection offootwear exhibiting simple,understated beauty.

Details are subtle and not gratuitous,taking classic silhouettes andmodernising them with fresh newcolours in fine leathers.

The dress range has been given amodern slim-line look withstreamlined sole units and elongatedsquared toe shapes.

Royal purple has reigned in themenswear palette. Bright separatesfrom violet to indigo are mixed withneutral hues and Hush Puppies hasalso selected new complementarycolours such as slate grey and

aubergine and burnished tan.

The casuals’ styles are givensimilar modernisingtreatment with slimmer,

lighter sole units and theemphasis on quality

leathers and subtledetailing.

The Carpenter, Broderie andCraftsmen styles have an individual

authentic handcrafted look and caneasily be worn with denim andcasual cotton clothing.

Made with soft-feel, natural waxyleathers the uppers have cushion toplines and inside a deep cushionpolyurethane foot bed in soft suedemakes for supreme comfort.

Not satisfied with delivering greatcasual style, Hush Puppies continuesto develop new benefits which settheir footwear apart from thecompetition.

Hush Puppies introduce Bodygel asa new benefit forautumn/winter 2009.

Featured in styles Bennett,Sawyer, Randall, Hurley – thisgroup is fashioned in super softleathers, with uppers being handsewn to the highly durablelightweight sole and thecontoured polyurethanefoot bed having theBodygel gel padtechnology in the heel foroutstanding comfort.

And as if that wasn’tenough the Bodygel rangeis also available in widefitting and fromUK sizesseven to 15.

Overall, men’s shoes get the classictreatment.

Everything you would expect from aheritage brand with shoes that arestylish, classic and timeless.

For more information call 0207 860 0100 orvisit www.hushpuppies.co.uk

Inspired by bygone classics


News

7

In a difficult market, many businesses are thinking about launching their own brands in a bid to boost revenue andsave on wholesale costs. Mary Ferguson spoke to Alan Strang, part of a husband and wife team using theirexperience to help independent footwear retailers.

AS founders of supplier ActionApparal, Alan and wife Katherinehelped build up brands includingChilli Pepper, Chilli Red and Chillicouture.And in September, after selling theirinterest in the company, the pair setup The Brand Forum – designed tohelp retailers develop their ownbrands and assist brands who wantto broaden their offer.Alan said: “I hate to use the word‘consultancy’ but that’s essentiallywhat it is. When we sold ActionApparal the natural thing was for usto look at setting up another brandbut we felt that today’s environmentgave us a good opportunity to shareour knowledge with others,particularly those who may bestruggling.

“We are working with retailers whoin the past may have just stuck alabel on something to create a brandbut in today’s consumer-savvy marketthey need to do more.”However, Alan said that when itcomes to launching their own brand,independent footwear retailersshouldn’t enter into the idea lightly.“Launching a brand is not a smalljob – it does take money – and youneed to be of a certain size to set upyour own range.“However in some cases it may bethat a group of independents gettogether, something we have seenexplode in the clothing industry. It’s away for the smaller retailers to tackleand compete with the big chainstogether. It’s about bolting on a newtrading aspect.”

Alan said that the current economicclimate is actually providingopportunities for retailers and thosethat ‘survive’ will be the ones thatthink outside the box.He added: “There are a lot ofretailers and brands that are lookingat their businesses and wonderingwhat they can change.“And now is actually a great time todo that – shoe retailers can takeadvantage of falling property pricesand deals and secure sites and unitsthey could never have dreamed of inso-called ‘good times’.“People may be cancelling theirluxury cruises but they still want tolook good, and shoes are moreessential than most items ofclothing.” Alan and Katherine

Couple offer a helping brand ...

Post-party footwear inventorto target holiday clubbersBy Mary Ferguson

THE inventor of post-party footwearbrand Rollasole has revealed plans toexpand his business abroad,targeting clubbing hotspots likeIbiza.

Matt Horan, who launched the roll-up flat pumps for women to swapwith their heels after a night out,already has the products stocked in26 Oceana nightclubs in the UK,where they are available fromvending machines for £5.

And by the summer, he hopes theywill be available from nightspots inIbiza and America, as well as Londontube stations and UK shoppingcentres.

The shoes, which come rolled up in adrawstring bag, are already stocked

in footwear shops in Ireland andSweden and Matt is alsoapproaching retailers in England.

He said: “There are othermanufacturers doing a similar thingbut ours are different because theyroll up and are available immediatelywhen people’s feet hurt.

“Many women don’t think abouttheir shoes hurting them before theygo out so wouldn’t think to pack aspare in their bags – which are oftentoo small to hold them anyway. Andwhen they are re-used, Rollasolesrole up small enough to fit in a tinyclutch bag.”

Matt said he is always working onnew designs and has set up aFacebook group to gain feedbackbefore the designs to go into

production. Mocking up a prototype,he posts it on the site and theninvites people to offer theircomments.

“The most recent idea I put up therewas for faux crocodile skin and Ifound it to be like Marmite – peopleeither love it or hate it.

“The group is a great way of findingout what people think about designsthough before I get themmanufactured.”

Matt is also experiencing hugedemand from couples buying bulkorders for their weddings, to give toguests at their receptions. Celebrityclients including the son of NigelMansell and football pundit GaryLineker are already fans, orderingpersonalised pairs for their big days.

Left: Matt and his designs. Above: One of the designs

BREAD and Butter is returning toBerlin this summer after a fouryear stint in Barcelona.

The show will take place at theairport Berlin-Tempelhof in Julyand is now set to remain there forat least the next ten years.

Karl-Heinz Müller, Bread and Butterpresident, said: “We have neverdoubted Berlin as location, on thecontrary.

“When we decided to relocate wewere simply lacking the adequateevent venue but now the airportBerlin-Tempelhof is available, wecan use this historical chance toreturn home.

“We now have the possibility tocompletely redefine and newlyposition the show.”

The July event is taking place earlyin the season to help with forwardorders and Mr Müller is nowurging other trade events in thecapital to do the same.

He added: “The early date isessential for all those involved inthe textile and retail industry.

“If buyers and retailers areinformed early, the ordering canbegin on time and be concludedearly.

“I assume that other Berlin eventswill join us in this early date –only with a united effort canBerlin establish itself as a lastingfashion capital in Germany andEurope.”

Show setfor changeof location

Designer spotlight


STEF studied fashion promotion atSouthampton Solent University andfor her final footwear projectdecided to create a new design thatwas both fashionable and functional.

Her folding shoes – which have asplit sole that allows them to bestored away without losing theirshape – became an instant successand she was introduced to BacupShoes, who were working on asimilar project.

Stef said: “The original inspirationcame from the fact that all womenhave the common problem ofwearing high heels because theylook good, but don’t always thinkabout how they feel and then endup suffering for it.

“It is not good for women to bewalking around barefoot after anight out because their shoes havebecome too uncomfortable, so Ithought it would be ideal to haveflat, safe shoes on hand.

“I really felt that it was a big niche inthe market that hadn’t beendeveloped yet.”

Stef joined a team of footwearexperts, podiatrists and designerswho – after two years of research

and development – came up withthe Redfoot Foldable Shoe.

The brand’s celebrity fans nowinclude Twiggy, JK Rowling, NickyClarke and Trisha Goddard and therange has been so popular it hasexpanded each season.

Stef added: “For me the mostimportant thing was making themstylish as well as comfortable.

“The idea was to make them sodesirable that people would have noproblem with swapping theirfashionable heels for flats.

“They have now been retailing forjust over a year and have had anamazing response so far.”

There are 32 styles in the collectionand the aim for the next few seasonsis to refine and tighten up the range,creating a selection of core designsas well as changing key styles foreach season.

The company are also planning onlaunching a premium line of thefolding shoe design, made up inleather with a slightly higher pricepoint that will appeal to newcustomers.

They will also be expanding various

When student StefHeydecke came up with anidea for shoes designed tofold up and fit into ahandbag, it didn’t take longfor a footwear designcompany to sign her up.Louise Cordell reports.

8

accessory collections to complementthe RedShoes brand, including afolding bag to store the discardedhigh heels, that coordinates with thefolding shoe style.

She added: “I think that, as a rule,the footwear industry can be fairlycautious about moving thingsforward.

“You often see a lot of the samestyles year on year, tweaked but notreally changing and there are hardly every any revolutionarynew designs.

“Retailers have told us that they findmany new brands and collectionstoo similar to what they have alreadyseen before.”

Stef Heydecke with a selection of her folding shoes.

Stef walkstall with splitsole invention


News

9

THE Hong Kong YoungFashion Designers’Contest 2009 has beenshowcasing the nextgeneration of thecountry’s design talent.

Taking place at HongKong Fashion Week, thecompetition has revealedthe best new creationsfor men’s, women’s andchildren’s footwear.

The kids’ champion wasYeung Yuet Ming with‘Lobster’, men’s championwas Chan Yuen Man with‘Junzi Lan’, the sportschampion was Wong WaiYing with ‘Wheel Man’,ladies’ sandal championwas Chau Cheung with‘Gun’, ladies’ bootschampion was Law HauSin with ‘Butterfly Biscuit’and ladies’ fashionchampion was Leung Wai

Fai with ‘My Pride andJoy’.

Hong Kong Fashion Weekis the largest show of itskind is Asia and features1,400 exhibitors from 23countries.

Raymond Yip, assistantexecutive director of theHong Kong TradeDevelopment Council,said: “Fashion plays animportant role in HongKong’s economy andcontributed about eightper cent to Hong Kongexports in the first 11months of 2008.

“In times of financialuncertainty, traders andconsumers tend to lookfor stylish products,which is why we needinnovative ideas morethan ever before.”

Above, from left, Lobster, Gun, My Pride and Joy. Left: Junzi Lan.Right: Butterfly Biscuit. Right, bottom: Wheel man

Hong Kongfashiondesignersstep out ...

Brand spotlight


CORDWAINERS-trained Vicky Carrspent the first part of her careerbeing headhunted by Red or Deadand Shelleys to create their footwearcollections and was also responsiblefor catapulting Lacoste’s women’sline into a trendy designer label.

This success meant that she was theideal choice when the creators of theindustrial and practical Cat rangedecided to expand into women’sfootwear.

She said: “I knew that the projectwas going to be a real challenge.The brand is traditionally known asmenswear, so it was always going tobe a gradual process and I felt that Ireally had to absorb and understandthe brand if it was going to succeed.

“The styles had to have intrinsic Catvalues, for example be durable,rugged and well designed, but alsowith attitude and a feminine twist –they couldn’t just be men’s shoes inwomen’s sizes.”

Now, a year into the project, theresponse has been very promising

and sales figures have grown beyondthe expected numbers.

The aim now is to take advantage ofthis potential and increase businessas more buyers and distributors getinvolved.

Vicky added: “It was important tostart out slowly and get everyone’sconfidence up as the company wasused to dealing with the men’s sideof things and what we were tryingto do was very different.

“But I think it helped that we havereally tried to produce designs thatmake sense to the brand, we didn’tcome out suggesting stilettos andpatent leather, just a more feminineversion of the traditional hardwearing styles.

“We have just been taking smallsteps so far, but we are nowreaching the point where as successis increasing we will be pushing intonew distribution and new markets.”

The 2009 collections are built aroundactive rather than rugged styles, due

Traditionally a tough man’s brand, Cat has been making waves with the launch of its ladies’ collection. Out On A Limb speaks to Vicky Carr, the designerentrusted with delivering hard wearing style to a whole new audience.

to the success of an active men’srange in 2008.

They include nappa leather maryjanes and lace-ups in a range ofcolours, with design touchesincluding broderie anglaise laceuppers, and active sports sandalswith new tread patterns on the solesand footbeds.

Vicky added: “I think we have madevery good in-roads into summerproducts – these were the mostchallenging as they are so differentfrom traditional Cat designs.

“However, it was worth perseveringwith as it is very important thatpeople can look at the line andimmediately recognise the brand –they shouldn’t have to turn the shoeover.

“This means being very strict whenputting the design together and not

just going off on a whim, but it isworthwhile in the end.”

Vicky also believes that theincreasing demand of long lasting,quality footwear is a good sign forbusiness, as it ties in with the brand’slong term aims.

She added: “People don’t want acupboard full of ‘wear-once’ shoes -I know I don’t. They want somethingthey can own and wear for a longtime.

“But while as a designer you have anose for things and you are aware ofwhat is going on in the industry, youalso have to do what it right for thebrand.

“The most important thing is to staytrue to that, because if it doesn’tmake sense for the brand everyonewill see through it, from the retailersto the customers.”

Cat valueswith femininetwists ...

New Product Showcase


CHATHAM, one of the UK’s leadingfootwear and clothing designers, hascreated a great new range for menthis summer. Chatham’s reputation for producingclassic, high quality footwearcontinues through to the new range,with the inclusion of the Kayak, agreat new deck shoe for men. The Kayak has a canoe side seamand is made from high grade pull-upleather. Containing an inside top line cottonwebbing and double layer EVAperforated sock, this classic styledeck shoe gives high levels ofcomfort yet remains practical andhard-wearing. Adjustability and secure fitting isensured by its one piece lacing and ahigh grade rubber sole with a razorcut tread pattern gives extra grip andstability for especially wet conditions.

Chatham’s deck shoes are all hand-stitched and constructed on the lastallowing the shoes to fit perfectly. For further information visit www.chatham-marine.co.uk or call 0845 2700 217.

Great new range for summer

AFTER the excesses of Christmas andNew Year, everyone wants to feeltheir best and most body beautifulself, so give your customers whatthey are searching for with ChungShi shoes.

Chung Shi, the revolutionary exerciseshoe, is proven to noticeably tonethe legs, buttocks and stomach byworking legs up to 257 per centharder than traditional trainers.

An inbuilt ‘pilates system’ whichworks by using a unique patentedreflexology bar in the centre of theshoe and a 15 degree curved sole,helps to stimulate the use ofneglected muscle groups andimprove core stability.

Chung Shi shoes have outsold theMBT range of fitness shoes inAmerica, making them the leadingchoice for consumers looking toimprove their overall fitness and toneup.

These light, stylish and comfortableshoes also help to reduce celluliteand varicose veins by increasing yourbody’s circulation as you walk.

Customers have been delighted withresults achieved by wearing ChungShi shoes, so why not improve yourown bottom line?

For more information please contact LJMSports: e-mail: [email protected] or call

01675 430115

Setting the right tone ...

LET your feet do the talking with ourfirst range of tattoo and graffitiinspired, hand-painted Pumpz.The range, designed to appeal tomen, women, and young adults,came from the realisation thatpeople want a more unique andpersonalised fashion statement.Each design is entirely hand-paintedby talented and experienced artiststo create an individual and uniquepiece of fashionable, wearable, art.We use only the very best qualityshoes so that the product iscomfortable and durable, and thespecialist paints that are used areflexible and hardwearing so thatyour design continues to look asclean and bright as the day youbought it.We have a full e-commerce site atwww.pumpz.co.uk where you cansee all our latest designs anddevelopments, buy your Pumpzcompletely securely, and even submityour own designs for painting ontoyour Pumpz.Watch out in 2009 for our first kidz

range, a whole new range of adultdesigns, and development of ourcomplementary beltz and bagz sites.

You can contact us anytime [email protected]. Trade buyers are

welcome to come to us with their owndesign ideas, which we can turn into their

own, exclusive range.

Walk and talk ...

FOOT-Sox are disposable, try onsocks that offer a hygienic customerservice when trying on shoes.

The new range is made from topgrade yarn and now features a well

finished top line giving a better fit.Foot-Sox remain hygienic and offersretailers protection, preventingvaluable stock from becoming soiled.

New range offers hygienic solution

The new 2009 collection from Teva combineslifestyle and performance ranges andfeatures new designs as well as reissuedfavourites. The performance range has beenengineered and tested to perform for eliteoutdoor athletes and white water

professionals in conditions from alpine trailsto white water expeditions. The lifestylecollection is made up of a range oftraditional styles and new additions,designed specifically for travel and leisure,from beachwear to streetwear.

News


A NEW footwear collection madefrom London Underground seatcovers has been launched bydesign company Above+BelowLondon.

The range is made up from rarevintage covers from bus and trainseats from the 1950s to the

1990s.

The idea cameabout whendesign

college

graduate Robert Taylor andbusiness partner and film makerCaroline Read realised the fabricswere relics of London’s designheritage and decided to preservethem.

The recycling project evolved intoone of London’s mostenvironmentally friendly footwearranges and after being on sale for only two months, thebrand’s popularity is growing fast.

Robert said: “These trainers aresome of the greenest on themarket, because they are made

from 100 per cent UKwaste.

“Not only are theuppers made from

reclaimed and restored rail and busseat fabrics, the soles containrecycled tyre rubber.

“In addition we haveincorporated high quality napaleather in the trim, using re-purposed chequebook walletsfrom a high street bank.”

The original design idea was alsogiven a boost by VivienneWestwood who used the materials in a pair of her elevatedcourt shoes which were exhibited at the London College ofFashion and London’s TransportMuseum.

Robert added: “We’ve had a reallygood response nationally and fromEurope to date, and we have alsohad quite a few orders in from the

US.Our

first style is a tribute toChuck Taylor’s hi-top classicbasketball shoe – but whicheverpattern customers decide on it isunique and limited edition.

“We are also planning onintroducing a low top design andalso some smaller children’s sizeswhich we think will be verypopular.”

New collection goes down Tube

Show setto build onsuccessTHE Off-Price Show London is set tocontinue its successful series ofevents at Olympia, London onMarch 15 and 16 2009, with theexpansion of its footwear section.

Kidderminster Footwear returns tothe show after a short absence, andthe event will also feature companiessuch as Kenyons, Jay-Bill and ZoeFootwear, offering buyers (tradeonly) an exceptional opportunity toview and order from stock rangesnot normally available elsewhere.

Leading wholesalers, importers,specialist stock houses and brandsoffer both branded and unbrandedfashion garments and footwear atthe lowest possible prices to thetrade.

These companies who exhibit offerboth current in-season stock as wellas end of range, end of season, overmakes, cancelled orders at highlydiscounted rates – often at 50 percent (or more) below normal tradeprices.

Suppliers trade in both small andlarge volumes, giving all types ofbuyers, from small independentstores to large multiples, excellentopportunities to snap up deals notavailable anywhere else.

The show also gives buyers theability to increase their range ofsupplier contacts – each showfeatures many new exhibitors – thusgiving them the double benefit ofsourcing new contacts andmerchandise and keeping acompetitive edge over their rivals.

For further details visitwww.offpriceshow.co.uk

RETAILERS are being asked tosupport charities at this year’sInternational GolfChampionship of the Shoe,Leather and Allied Trades.

The event is set to take place inJune at Slaley Hall inNorthumberland and last yearraised over £4,800.

This year, those taking part arebeing asked to either donate aprize or send a cheque, whichwill be used for purchasingprizes, for the prize draw.

Nick West, charity steward forNational Shoe Trade Golf, said:

“This year, although these arevery difficult times I would beextremely grateful for yourcontinued support as it bringsmuch needed relief to many.

“The charity shoe trade golf hasraised thousands of pounds forthose in need over the years –predominantly to people fromour own industry who need alittle extra help.

“All donations will beacknowledged personally andrecognition will be made in theofficial programme of thechampionship.”

Retailers asked totee off for charity

A host of celebrities donated their footwear tocreate a piece of art marking the horrors of theHolocaust. A pile of shoes is currently beingdisplayed in Coventry city centre, inspired by therooms full of shoes found by the soldiers wholiberated Auschwitz at the end of the SecondWorld War. Celebrity Come Dancing finalist RachelStevens, model Jodie Kidd and Olympian ChristineOhuruogu all donated some footwear, which willbe given to charity. The display was created tomark the national Holocaust Memorial Day.

The event is at Slaley Hall in June

Bid to uncover new talentsFOOTWEAR websiteVivaLaDiva.com is launching acollaboration with the LondonCollege of Fashion in anattempt to discover the bestnew talents in footwear design.

The site will be sponsoring theCordwainers footwear designcourse at LCF and for a tenweek period the 40 students

will be working exclusively oncreating a new collection – towin the opportunity to havetheir entire footwear range putinto production and stocked onVivaLaDiva.com.

The competition will end inMarch, when the e-tailer willannounce the winning designerand their collection.


Moda Preview

15

COMFORT footwear brand Romika continues its positive resurgencedespite the difficult economic climate and is set to unveil a strongautumn/winter 09 range which promises to further extend this growthin both distribution and sales. Romika, which was originally established in the 1920s, has gone fromstrength to strength since it was taken over by the Josef Seibel Group in2005. Using the most advanced technology and the strictest standards of qual-ity control, Romika has stayed true to its authentic German heritage,whilst achieving wide appeal across global markets. Inspiring styling with comfort at the core means key retailers across theworld are now stocking the brand with success, including Nordstrom,

The Walking Company (USA), Shoon andThe Clinkard Group in the UK.Martin Ingram, managing director ofRomika in the UK and Ireland attributesthis success to a number of key ingredi-

ents. He said: “A heritage of superb fittinglasts, resilient PU injection construc-tion and comfort built in at everylevel of shoemaking is a greatplace to start. “Add to this progressive and

desirable design and top quality infrastruc-ture in production, distribution and market-

ing and you have a recipe for success.“We are really delighted that

our brand offering andclose relationship with ourcustomers has allowed usto buck the market gloom. “We are very positive

going in to the new seasonthat these strong growth levels

will continue.”Highlights of the Romika autumn/win-

ter 09 collection includes sportycasuals sitting alongside smarter

wedge profiles. The use of rich, deep,soft leathers with ametallic sheen along-

side technical fabricsand suede provide com-

fort, function and interest inabundance.

Romika will once again offer the uniquewaterproof and washable Ameretta

winter boots with the range furtherenhanced by the original

Romika Blizzard bootwhich provides currenttrend relevance.The new Romotion rangepresents patented tech-

nology based upon adynamic footbed. This is integrated within the mid

foot area of the outsolewhich actively sup-ports a natural way ofwalking. Shoes with anew technology for

healthy motion!

New Modaformat bringsnew arrivalsA NEW format for Moda Footwearhas led to an increase in new brandsshowing alongside establishednames.

New arrivals include sheepskin bootsfrom WLM New Zealand and anethically sourced collection fromZinnia in the Boutique section. Art Ais appearing for the first time with itswomen’s and men’s collection andUS label Rocket Dog will be revealingits range of pumps, sandals, highfashion boots and heels.

One of the biggest names in comfortfootwear, Mephisto One, is anotherbrand making its first everappearance, alongside DB Shoes, aspecialist in wide fitting footwearwhich is 100 per cent made inEngland.

Finally in the kids’ section newnames including Elephantito, Frenchlabel Orchestra and Spanish brandXTI Bright will all be making theirfirst appearance.

The show’s free seminar programmehas also been unveiled and is aimingto provide advice and expertise onthe most serious issues facingretailers in 2009.

Specialists Ray Buckler and Nick Prattwill be addressing the most talkedabout trends in online retailing,including how retailers can maximisesales in increasingly challenging

conditions.

Seminars include ‘Practical Advice’ –dispelling myths and what e-commerce means to the industry,‘Presenting Your Product Online’ –developing an online brand identityand maximising your sales,‘Customer Confidence’ – minimisingthe risks and how to replicate goodcustomer service online and finally how to drive traffic to yoursite and convert visitors into loyalcustomers.

Additionally, for the first time, visitorswill be able to arrange one-to-onemeetings with the online experts inan e-commerce surgery to get somepersonal advice on any problemsthey may have.

French outdoor lifestyle brand Aigle is launching a new collection at Moda.The company – whose heritage dates back to 1853 – draws inspiration from classical andretro designs for AW09.The Akhal is an equestrian inspired full grain leather boot with strap detail and half rubbersole. Scooper Mid is a retro-designed perforated, full grain leather and suede casual shoe.The Rantage is a vintage-inspired, walking-style boot available in either a full grain or an oiledleather.

The show’s freeseminar programmehas also been unveiledand is aiming toprovide advice andexpertise on the mostserious issues facingretailers in 2009

Moda Preview


THE Lexus Collection, with itswonderful colours, dynamic stylingand trendy classic looks has shoesand handbags to match the dress forthat special occasion be it a party,wedding or if you just wantsomething glamorous and special.

Lexus Collection is style withoutcompromise plus elegance for thecosmopolitan woman of today.

This year sees the launch of manynew styles and as usual the rangecan be purchased as single pairs orcarton lots, with an in-stock and fastdelivery service.

For more details call 01902 456800, visitwww.lexusinternational.com or e-mail

[email protected]

See us at the following exhibitions:

PURE, Olympia, 8-10 February 2009,Level 1, Stand FO123

MODA, NEC Birmingham, 15-17February 2009, Hall 20, Stand FG41

Harrogate Bridal Fair, Harrogate, 8-10 March 2009, Stand C79

‘Style withoutcompromiseplus elegance’

To see the latestcollection fromGrinders visit ourstand at Moda – NECStand Number FF39,contact us on 01245465050 or e-mail:[email protected]

XTI has introduced a newcollection for spring/summer 09.

XTI aims to capture thecolours of the spring/summer season with black,white, red, turquoise, lightblue, blue marine, green,yellow, orange, fuchsia,wood rose, cream, brown,

camel in plain and patterned designs.

Leather, canvas, patent,sequins and printed fabricsare the top materials used for the differentballerinas, vulcanised,sandals, court shoes andmoccasins.

Capturing the coloursof the seasons ...

MEPHISTO offers an extensive pallet of quality, comfortable shoesthat are marketed in more than 70countries.To guarantee softness and easy walking, every shoe includesa midsole with the technology Soft-air which helps in the natural

walking process of the feet,and reduces the shock resulting from walking to aminimum.Mephisto offers shoe choices formen and women and aims to designand realise the best shoe for eachcustomer.

Quality shoes marketedin over 70 countries

Moda Preview


All-year stockwould supportretailers – claimBy Louise Cordell

FOOTWEAR brands should besupporting independent retailers bykeeping goods in stock all yearround, according to an industrystalwart.

Peter Challis, of Ikon, is so convicedthat buyers have had to movetowards smaller and shorter-termorders, that he will once again beshowing his spring summercollection at Moda, alongside hisnew autumn line.

He said: “We have found that many people would rather buy fromstock than commit to forwardorders.

“They are understandably reluctantto tie their money up and this hasbecome more prevalent over the lastyear, especially for independents andsmaller chains, given the currentfinancial climate.

“I think it has become the brand’sresponsibility to keep as much instock as possible and that is certainlywhat we try to do – that way we arenot losing out on even the smallestsale.

“It gives us a point of difference in a crowded market and also allows us to support the smallerstores.

“It benefits us as well, as if shops

cannot get something from us atshort notice then they are likely togo to a competitor for a similarproduct instead.”

Peter added that achieving thecorrect balance between working aclose season and completingproduction in time – especially forthe longer forward orders – can be achallenge.

He believes this may even becomemore difficult due to an increasedamount of manufacturing moving out to India and the Far East,which usually means a longerturnaround.

He added: “It is just about utilisingevery sale, even the smaller ones,because they all add up.

“We are fairly optimistic at themoment because sales have beenpositive – we are just under two percent down on last year – but I thinkit will be the next six months thatwill be difficult and will really give usan idea of how the next year or so isgoing to be.

“We have been established for someyears, so repeat business is good –but the problem lies in getting newpeople in, and that is something weare going to be working onimproving.”

Camel Active Footwear hasrevealed its autumn/winter2009 collections for men andwomen.The men’s range ‘West EastScout’ is made up of ‘City andCasual’, ‘Sneakers’ and‘Outdoor’ – and include bootswith Gore-Tex for functionality,leather with creased effects,high quality velour and oilednubuck.The women’s range is inspiredby the Far East with a focus oncomfort - resulting in knittedcuffs, big buttons, world folkstyle decorations, furappliqués and leather fringes.The new winter line alsofeatures Eskimo and folklorethemes with intricateembroidery, fringe, and leathereyelets.

RIEKER is aiming to help people meettheir fitness targets with its range ofAntiStress Footwear.

The shoes include technology whichspread pressure over the entiresurface of the soles to provide shock

absorption and comfort.

The designs are made from up to 50 parts to give the best fit and can be found in independentshops throughout the UK and online.

New brand offers highfashion to basic stylesNEW brand Khriò are set to exhibitat this year’s Moda with anautumn/winter 09 footwearcollection of flats, day shoes, heelsand boots.

The brand’s aim is to produce afashionable product withoutcompromising in design, quality,

comfort or price.

The collection is divided into lines from high fashion to more basic styles and, with a focus on research anddevelopment, aims to offer new product and innovativematerials.

Getting a step nearerto fitness targets

RADICAL Boot Co UK -www.radicalbootco.co.uk - is a breath offresh air for the world of dress, western,exotic and biker boots, bringing colour,excitement and artistic passion to theindustry.

As well as boots and sports shoesconstructed from genuine exotic skins such asstingray, eel, ostrich, snake, crocodile andlizard, wallets and belts also feature withinthis original range.

With an extensive client base in America,Canada, Japan and Mexico, it is predictedthese boots with a difference will get the UKfashion circuit talking.

Handcrafted in Mexico, the birthplace of theWestern style boot, each pair is made withpassion and precision; the arches of the solesin the Western range are enforced with aspecial steel plate to prevent any flexingfrom side to side, and a soft calf leather isused for the interior for extra comfort.

Radical Boot Co UK also uses Goodyearwelt construction, which allows for multiplesole replacements therefore extending the lifeof the boot or shoe.

Radical Boot Co UK offer a unique imageapplication, allowing them to put any imagepermanently into the leather, giving a clarity as clear as aphotograph as opposed to just painting on top of it.

The images and colours remain clear without fading,peeling or being rubbed off for the life of the leather.

James Bilson, Radical Boot Co UK managing director, said: “We areproud to be the only manufacturer that uses this uniquetechnology, which is a revolution in the leather industry.

“It is great to be able to supply our clients with a unique productand we are very excited to be breaking into the UK market withsomething different to offer.”

Radical Boot Co UK not only caters for the male market, the launchof Blue UK by Radical Boot Co features an exciting range of qualitywomen’s shoes and boots that offer both style and individuality.

Blue UK accessories also include a unique range of women’s beltsand hand painted buckles, which guarantee to give any outfit aclassic, original edge.

The leather for each shoe is hand prepared with the utmost care andthen printed one pair at a time.

Using the same high standard construction techniques as RadicalBoot Co UK, all the shoes and boots, including soles and lining, aremade from genuine grade A calf leather.

James added: “We recognise that both men and women want tolook good while wearing footwear of superior comfort but they

also want to stand out from the crowd.

“We are thrilled to be exhibiting at the ModaTrade Show at the NEC in Birmingham

on February 15 to 17 and hopeeveryone is as excited and passionateabout our products as we are.”

Radical Boot Co. UK is the UK exclusivedistributor for Radical Boot Co.

Find out more about Radical Boot Co UK by visiting:

www.radicalbootco.co.ukwww.thebluerange.co.uk.

ADVERTISER’S ANNOUNCEMENT

A new boot brand is set to take the market bystorm after announcing its arrival in the UK.

Steppingout in style

Moda Preview

LAUNCHING this month, Padders hasachieved perfect synergy throughprecise and innovative design with itsnew Eclipse ladies collection.

Comprising two classic styles, a laceup and a touch and close, made ona new standard fitting last, thesestyles sport a sleeker profile withuniversal appeal.

They are fashioned from smoothleather uppers, with cushioned fullleather insoles, arch supports

breathable mesh linings and areavailable in numerous colourways.

And with a superior specification andprice point; any would-be rivals, willsimply be eclipsed.

Join us at Moda on stand FK20 topreview this range and our otherexciting collections that everyone istalking about.

Or for more information call Mike Rowe on01536 534999 or e-mail

[email protected]

Sleek with universal appeal

COMFORT footwear brand Romikahas unveiled its autumn/winter 09collection with the aim of expandingboth distribution and sales over thenext year. The AW09 range includes sportycasuals and wedge profiles made upin metallic sheen leathers, technical

fabrics and suedes. The waterproof Ameretta

winter boots have also beenreissued, alongside a new RomikaBlizzard boot. Finally, the new Romotion rangeoffers patented technologyintegrated into the outsole to createa healthier and more natural way ofwalking.Martin Ingram, Romika MD for theUK and Ireland, said: “We are reallydelighted that our brand offeringand close relationship with ourcustomers has allowed us to buckthe market gloom.

“We are very positive going intothe new season thatthese strong growthlevels will continue.”

The company willshow at Moda.

STYLE iconPixieGeldof,picturedleft, hasbeensnappedwearingtheCarbone coloured Tate boot fromArt.

A spokesman for the company said:“Patent ankle boots are big on thecatwalk this season. Their popularityis appreciated and reflected by Art.The fashionable footwear brand’stake on the design is fresh and funkywith a buckled strap and chunkyheel.”

Actress Jaime Winstone has alsobeen spotted in the ‘Air Alpine’boots, which are 80s inspired. Thecompany will be exhibiting at Moda.

Pixie putsthe boot on

Romika unveilsits new collection


Kool for kids incorporating Kids at Moda

27

Gumbies has announced theopening of a new account in theflagship Boatilus store in Paris.The brand is also nowdistributing smelly welllies forBoatilus in the UK.It specialises in fun butfunctional footwear and sinceshowing at Premier Kids, Pureand Moda last year has gainedmany new customers.Gumbies MD Michel Maurer hasalso just returned from a monthin Australia, the birth place of thebrand, with new productdevelopment ideas for 2009.

Help needed for huge shoe giveawayTOMS Shoes plan to give away over300,000 pairs of shoes to children inneed over the next 12 months – and are now calling for volunteers to help them achieve their goal.

The company is launching TomsTours in Argentina, which will allowteams of volunteers to spend fivedays visiting local communities andvillages to hand out footwear to themost disadvantaged.

Blake Mycoskie, TOMS founder, said:“I wanted to find a way for morepeople to be able to truly understandthe core of TOMS Shoes andexperience it first hand. With us it isall about giving to those in need –and with the tours we will be able tobring more people into our familyand include them in this uniqueopportunity.”

Since the company was founded in2006 Toms has given away a pair ofshoes for every pair purchased andso far over 115,000 have goneto children in Argentina, SouthAfrica, Ethiopia and the United

States.

The brand’s shoes are modelledon a classic Argentinian design,the ‘alpargata’, and the brand’scelebrity fans include Keira Knightly,Orlando Bloom and Renee

Zellweger.

A new collection for SS09 has beenlaunched and will be available instockists including Top Shop, Officeand Selfridges and the UK websitewill go live in April.

Moda return for PabloskyPablosky, Spain’s largest children’s shoemanufacturer is looking to expand itsdistribution in the UK and this year will beexhibiting at Moda for the second time.The brand has over 35 years of manufacturingexperience and now exports to over 40countries worldwide.The autumn/winter 2009 collection featuresover 800 different references includingseamless first shoes, a range of Back to Schoolshoes and a new teenagers’ collection.

Brit-chic influence pickedup in new collection

RICHTER is introducing a new collection for autumn/winter 2009.

Newcomers include mid-cut models – ankle-high all-rounders that willbe playing an increasingly important role due to climate change.

They are equipped for the most part with the breathable, waterproofRichtex Membrane and available in a range of designs.

The range also picks up on one of the season’s most influentialtrends with ‘Brit-chic’ designs featuring check prints on velvet

and other fabrics.

The decorations and appliqué elements on the girls’shoes have been colour-coordinated and

coloured decorative seamsprovide contrast to theleather flowers and‘precious’ stones.

Kool for kids incorporating Kids at Moda


BABYSHOES carries one of thelargest in stock ranges of continentalbaby shoes in the UK.

It has over 40 styles and 12 colours.

Established in 1936 by the presentowner’s uncles, Trevor – who nowruns the company – changed from supplying ladies’ and gents’shoes to just baby and children’sshoes imported from Spain andPortugal.

It has a next day delivery service freeon orders over £250 but do not havea minimum order you can orderanything from a single pair to a newshop full.

Babyshoes has won numerousawards for its customer service and quality of products butits finest accolade has been its inclusion in this year’s Who’s Who of Britain’s Business Elite.

It has showrooms in Glasgow,Manchester and Birmingham for anycustomer who wants to see itsrange.

If you would like a catalogue you cancontact Trevor on 01512 803049, e-mail:

[email protected] or visitwww.babyshoes.co.uk

Who’s Who businesselite accoladefor Babyshoes ... WE are the only UK manufacturer

of baby and toddlers’ shoes,using the finest quality chromefree leather.

All products are handmade inNorthamptonshire – the home oftraditional shoe makers.

Our little shoes are available fromnewborn up to four years.

Please ring or email for ourcurrent brochure plus leaflet withour new spring/summer designsavailable from 9 February.

Trade Price £8.00

Delivery seven to 10 days

Daisy Roots are also offering afree display stand with orders of50 pairs.

For more information e-mail:[email protected], visit:

www.daisy-roots.com or call: 01604880066.

Handmade forlittle ones

A NEW couture collection fortoddlers is being launched byPediped as part of its autumn/winter09 range.

The new line consists of four styleswith velcro fastening ankle strapsand ‘exotic skin’ print leather uppers.

Angela Edgeworth, president and co-founder, said: “We wanted to createa collection for women who loveshoes and wanted something‘fancier’ for their little girls. These aresure to be head turners and shouldelicit ‘oohs and ahhs’ from friendsand family alike. I wish I had themwhen my girls were little and wecertainly had a lot of fun creatingthem.”

The first four couture collection styleswill be available in limited editionquantities from autumn/winter 09with a new range expected in spring2010.

Couture for kids ...


Retail Solutions

31

THERE appears to be an increasingprofile of allergic reactions inconsumer products.Leather footwear is equallysusceptible to these issues and inrecent months BLC has receivedseveral enquiries in this respect. A recent incident in France wheredimethylfumarate (DMF) sachetswere found in boots and shoes fromChina, demonstrates the need forvigilance.DMF is a chemical with preservativequalities and has found to be a skinsensitiser at low levels, producingextensive skin irritation.

A further area of concern is theincreasing number of failures due tochrome VI. This is especially critical for children’sfootwear.Using good process controls it is notdifficult to produce leather withoutchrome VI and where it does occurthis usually points to a processingproblem which can easily be solved. While the chance of leathercontaining harmful chemicals is quitelow, there are a number of steps thatretailers can take to ensure productsafety. BLC is a specialist in testing leatherand footwear for restricted chemicalsand offers a fast reliable service.In addition, BLC also offers routinetesting services for all leatherproducts. Current exchange rates, combinedwith rapid response testing (five daystandard, next day or three day onrequest and subject to tests required)make testing at BLC extremelycompetitive.Contact [email protected] or visitwww.blcleathertech.com

Skin allergies from footwear

FOOTWEAR manufacturers in the UKare set to benefit from a new skillsstrategy launched to improve trainingin the industry. Skillfast-UK has released a five-yearagenda, based on interviews withmore than 2,000 employers,highlighting three key areas that willneed to be addressed if the UK is tocompete in the global market. Linda Florance, Skillfast-UK chiefexecutive, said: “The first area foraction is skills intelligence.“Many employers tell us that it isdifficult to recruit people into theindustry because young people andtheir advisers don’t understand theskills the industry requires. “Our first objective is to try tochange that by providing bettercareers intelligence.”The second area that has been

earmarked for action is to improvethe training and qualifications thatare provided by UK schools, collegesand universities, coordinating themwith the skills that employers reallyneed. Finally, the scheme aims to puttechnical training back into the UKskills system.Linda added: “Unfortunately, manycolleges have stopped runningspecialist training courses for costreasons, and our research shows thatthere is now very little sector specifictechnical training to build the skills ofemployees once they have got a jobin the industry. “We have already piloted a schemecalled ‘Skills HQ’ where we workwith an employer and a local collegeto develop a technical training coursethat meets their needs, and we wantto roll that out across the UK.”

Richard Kottler of the BFA discusses the new strategy with Peter Crowe of trade unionCommunity

New skills strategy launched

Retail review


WHEN it first opened, Stepping Outin Ealing was one of the first shoeshops of its kind in the UK.

The owner Caroline Fozard wantedto provide a child friendlyenvironment where parents couldbuy quality, well fitting shoes quicklyand easily.

So as well as stocking a large rangeof the biggest footwear brands, thestore also provided a collection ofquirky toys and gifts.

The combination has proved to bethe ideal way to keep customerscoming back and now one of theirfirst ever customers has even takenup a Saturday job at the store.

Caroline said: “We opened up in arecession, so we felt that we neededto be offering something out of theordinary to be successful and toysseemed a natural extension to thechildren’s shoe store – but we wereone of the first to do it.

“This is why the current financialclimate doesn’t bother me – if you’vebeen through it once you can do itagain.

“It is an exciting time really, it is

challenging and means that we needto think outside the box – I ambrainstorming every five minutes totry and think of ways to improvewhat we do.

“We are in a better position thansome because we are wellestablished, but we can’t rest on ourlaurels.

“It is important we keep our ear tothe ground and make sure that thebusiness is ready for anything that’scoming.”

All staff are Start-Rite trained andCaroline is a member of the Societyof Shoe Fitters. The shop is also onthe Children’s Foot Health Careregister and many local podiatristsand hospitals refer children for shoefitting help.

Caroline tries to make the hecticback to school experience a moreenjoyable one by providing sweets,drinks and magazines to keep mumsand kids entertained.

She added: “People tend to drop inwith the intention of just buying toysor shoes, but nearly always end upbeing tempted by the other.”

Last year the storeran a back toschool promotion,where every pairof shoes soldearned the child’sschool a star, andthe school withthe most starswon a cash prize.They have alsorecently startedSunday openingsafter demand fromcustomers.

Caroline added:“We try to act onfeedback andrequests from ourcustomers as much as possible.

“I don’t think that you can everbecome complacent or reject ideaswithout trying them first. They don’talways work out, for example a fewyears ago we tried making fittingappointments throughout the backto school season.

“It sounded good in theory, but inreality it just wasn’t practical –people missed appointments andturned up late – so we went back to

the old system. All of our staff haveworked with us for a long timewhich means people know ourreputation and feel confident thatwe won’t sell them anything thatthey don’t need or that isn’t right forthem.

“Service has always been paramountfor us and that sets us apart – as anindependent store it is so importantto have personality and characterthat sets you apart, and that is whatwe are trying to preserve.”

A children’s shoeshop that sells toystoo is the holy grailfor pleasing busyparents. SteppingOut in Ealing cameup with the formulain 1993 and, 15years on, is moresuccessful thanever. Louise Cordellreports

‘As anindependentstore it is soimportant to

havepersonality

and characterthat sets you

apart, andthat is what

we are tryingto preserve’

Shake, rattle and sole ...


News

33

CHIC, the international fashionaccessory fair, was held in January atthe Ricoh Arena in Coventry and,after a Christmas trading periodwhich was generally not as bad asthey had feared, exhibitors andbuyers were all positive about theirexpectations for the upcomingseason.Metallic bags and belts continued tosell well with many suppliersreporting strong re-orders on theparticularly ‘blingy’ styles. Chic also had the largest evercollection of large luggage brands asthe show has become the nationalforum for the travel goods’ industry.Jan Wilson, owner of Bags of Stylein Southport said: “Chic gives methe opportunity to see all my keysuppliers in one location and anopportunity to look at what is onoffer from new exhibitors. It wasnice to see some new brands at theshow and also to see more Europeanbrands as well.”

Positive mood at ChicTHE Drapers Footwear Awardsbring together the UK and Republicof Ireland's footwear industry tocelebrate the best in the business.

We will once again be honouringindependent and multiple retailers,as well as fashion multiples, ethicalinitiatives, brands and the mostpromising student designers –there really is something foreveryone.

The recognition you gain fromwinning a Drapers Footwear Awardis great.

Not only is it your chance to shinein front of your peers andcompetition but you will also showyour current and prospectivecustomers and suppliers that you'rethe best at what you do.

And not forgetting the moraleboost it will give to you and yourteam after what has been a very

tough year.

Entry deadline: 4 March

Awards ceremony: 7 May

Visitwww.drapersfootwearawards.co.ukfor the full list of categories and toenter.

Don’t delay in booking your table:

To ensure you, your team,customers or prospective clients arepart of this unmissable night,secure your tables now atwww.drapersfootwearawards.co.uk

We are offering an early birddiscount if you book before March13 – save £150 on the price ofyour table.

For sponsorship opportunities,please [email protected].

Uniting tocelebratethe bestin thebusiness

Brand sales ‘best in 30 years’By Louise Cordell

AN OUTDOOR footwear brand hasreported its best sales in 30 yearswith sales up by eight per centcompared with last year.

Brasher is now launching a nationaladvertising campaign and managingdirector Andy Loeber says outdoorand active brands can benefit fromthe credit crunch.

He says many people are opting forcheaper walking holidays in the UK

rather than expensive trips abroad –which he claims has boosted sales.

He added: “We feel that now isactually an ideal time to take a largermarket share rather than cuttingback.

“We have benefited from an increasein popularity for outdoor pursuitsand I also think it is important not tounderestimate the value of being apurely British brand - our product isdesigned for British feet and theBritish environment.

“Our retailers have now seen howwe are investing in the company andfind that confidence reassuring.

“They know that it takes new ideasto get customers through the doors,and to do that takes investment inproduct development andadvertising.”

The advertising campaign will covertitles from sports magazines tobroadsheets and, in 2010, will lookto expand into Europe.

Andy added: “We have a very loyalcore following, but we wanted morethan that and have geared our newdesigns and advertising towardsattracting a new audience.

“National advertising is somethingwe haven’t done in many years, butit will allow us to reach largenumbers of people and keep theminformed about what we areoffering.

“I think it is vital that, as an industry,we don’t talk ourselves into trouble.

“There is bad news everywhere, butas an outdoor brand we have somuch going for us – for example,even in tough times our repeatbusiness in December was up 42 percent on the previous year.

“We think that the outdoor marketwill continue to be healthy, andalthough no one can afford to benaive about the current climate, weare optimistic about the future.”

London EdgeLondon Olympia, 1-3 February(www.londonedge.com)The trade show for alternative street and clubfashion, footwear, accessories and giftwear withover 300 collections available to view.

Premier KidsNEC Birmingham, 1-3 Februarywww.premierkids.co.ukPremier Kids is celebrating its 60th anniversary withan autumn/winter 09/10 collection of children’sclothing, footwear and accessories to suit allretailers budgets.

ISPO WinterNeue Messe München, 1-4 FebruaryThe international trade fair for sports equipment andfashion celebrates its 69th show and, with the fullexhibition space booked up, are expecting recordattendances.

PureOlympia London, 8-10 February(www.purewomenswear.co.uk)A showcase of over 800 directional womenswearbrands, young creative labels, footwear andaccessory collection.

WSALas Vegas, 12-14 February (www.wsashow.com)Retail buyers will be given the chance to see the newSS08 footwear and major brands. Collections will be revealed in the Style Walk Loungeand live fashion presentations will be staged.

Moda FootwearNEC Birmingham, 15-17 February(www.moda-uk.co.uk)Moda will include a seminar programme whichwill be free of charge to all visitors andexhibitors.The Moda catwalk show will present an overviewof the seasons trends, providing an insight intokey looks.

GDS/GLSMesse Dusseldorf, Germany, 13-15 March (www.gds-online.com)Highlights will include high fashion labels frominternational brands and the children’s footwearmarketplace. Other events will include fashionshows, trend presentations and trend vision.

diarydates

34

Leather and Footwear Services

T: +44(0)1604 679999 F: +44(0)1604 679998 E: [email protected] www.blcleathertech.com

BLC Leather Technology Centre LtdLeather Trade House, Kings Park Road, Moulton Park, Northampton NN3 6JD, UK

• Routine testing• Slip testing• Whole shoe testing• Restricted substance testing (EN71)

• Problem solving• Fit assessment• Leather training

SHOE FITTING

TECHNOLOGY

TRAINING

JOBS

FOOT CARE SOLUTIONS

HAND PAINTED FOOTWEAR

Jack BrownFootwear Consultancy Services

www.jobsinfootwear.com • e- [email protected]

• Risk Assessments• Training• Problem Solving• Range Reviews• Systems Reviews• Manual Writing• Cost Reductions• Spec Writing• Projects and Assignments• Sourcing• Factory Audits• QA Systems ...and much more!


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