Out on a Limb December/January 2013/2014

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Search for friendliest business in Britain begins

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RETAILERS across the UK can put themselves in the running for a £10,000 prize by entering a competition to find Britain’s friendliest business.

The search has been launched by funding provider Liberis, with entrants judged on the basis of their online entry form – found at www.liberis.co.uk/bfbiz – where they submit the story of their business and the reason they believe they should win the award.

20 shortlisted businesses will be announced later this month and that list will be narrowed down to three finalists in January 2014.

Those three finalists will be profiled across social media and the winner will be announced in February 2014, and will receive a cash award of £10,000.

Laura Whitmore

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TV star launches animal-free shoe competition

By Christina Eccles ASPIRING fashion designers have been invited to battle it out in a new contest launched by PETA and vegan shoe company Beyond Skin.

Shop celebrates first anniversary

The competition is offering designers the chance to be the creative force behind a new animalfree shoe, with entrants able to upload their designs at PETA.org.uk

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PETA and Beyond Skin will narrow the entries down to the top 10 before a celebrity judge – TV presenter Laura Whitmore – chooses the winning design, which will go into production and hit the

market in time for spring/summer 2014.

Laura said: “I truly believe that the future of fashion lies in sustainable, cruelty-free materials, and companies like Beyond Skin and organisations like PETA are leading the way in creating awareness.

“I am simply looking for ambitious young designers to put their best vegan foot forward and show me their idea for a new cruelty-free pump, flat, bootie or wedge. This competition is their chance to be a part of the trend towards compassionate fashion.”

Chairman of Liberis Adrian Fawcett said: “The truth is that we are in a critical moment for SMEs in Britain.

Our high streets are disappearing, and our local businesses are facing impossible financial conditions.

“We believe that businesses that do survive in this difficult climate do so because they give their customers something more – they provide a friendly, personal service that they can’t find anywhere else.

“We believe that the best way to be sure that the tills of Britain keep ticking is to show that friendliness, personal service, and local community all matter – the British people care about those values, and they show it by frequenting and supporting the businesses that share them.”

The campaign for Britain’s Friendliest Business will be tracked on Twitter via #BFBiz and the @LiberisUK handle.

To enter the competition and for more information, see www.liberis.co.uk/bfbiz

Graduate has fashion world at her feet

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FOOTWEAR designer Rachel Simpson has launched her own vintage-inspired range, following the success of her bridal footwear label Rachel Simpson shoes.

The brand offers men’s and women’s shoes, which are sold online and from a boutique in Birmingham’s Great Western Arcade.

Rachel – who graduated from DMU with a degree in footwear design – has opened Agnes and Norman, named after her grandparents.

Rachel said: “You have got to take that leap, and that’s the approach I have always taken.

“We went from having the idea in

November to launching it in April – and that in the middle of us being the busiest we have ever been. I love bridal, but I wanted to make shoes that people can wear all the time.

“I thought, If I don't do this soon I'm never going to do it. If you wait until there's a quiet time in the business it's probably too late.”

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Graduate’s online footwear business scoops top award

By Christina Eccles

business began.

A DE Montfort University graduate who started a successful online footwear business while still studying has been named Leicestershire’s Young Business Executive of the Year.

“I started in Leicester and always wanted to stay nearby because of my strong connections with De Montfort.

Lizzie Leary, who set up Kindred Sole with Beth Widdowson, was awarded the title at this year’s Leicester Mercury Business Executive of the Year Awards, set up by the newspaper to recognise leaders and talent across the county’s business community.

British shoe house Oliver Sweeney has partnered with website VeryFirstTo.com to offer the opportunity to own a pair of shoes with a rock and roll twist.

Tattooist Henry Hate will tattoo a bespoke design on to any pair of Oliver Sweeney tan shoes, with the design featuring on the upper sole, hand-rendered

by Henry using his gun and inks. Henry said: “I’m keen to be injecting some fresh attitude, creativity and originality into men’s footwear. Oliver Sweeney shoes are an unexpected, but stunning canvas to deliver my work on.”

Its Enterprise Inc mentoring programme for start-ups helped Lizzie and Beth form Kindred Sole when they were studying Retail Buying. It offered a year’s support package including business advice, mentoring and funding.

Lizzie said: “It feels amazing and very significant for me to be recognised in the city where my

“In the past 12 months, we’ve consistently grown the business and year on year we are doubling in terms of revenue. We are generating relationships with new designers and have some exciting shoe designers as well as recognised names.

“The move to Coalville has really benefited us and now we are pinpointing a date for launching a men’s footwear site. There are also plans in the pipeline for our own collection and I’m just doing the market research for that.”

The site has fans in the UK, America, Australia and Japan and last year, the company was awarded second place for Footwear Brand of the Year at the Footwear Industry Awards.

Competition to find best independent window display UK Point of Sale is calling upon independent retailers to snap a photo of their most creative window displays to be in with a chance of winning a new iPad in time for Christmas.

country, we also work with a huge number of independent retailers. We want retailers to be inspired by the upcoming seasonal events and really go above and beyond to drive footfall with festive window displays.

Retailers can enter the competition using Twitter and Facebook by sending the photo directly to the UK POS Twitter page (@ukposgroup) or by uploading the photo to its Facebook page; www.facebook.com/UKPOS

“We pride ourselves on supplying the very best point of sale materials for retailers and this competition is aiming to reward the creativity in the independent sector, which we know exists in bucketloads. We’re urging independent retailers from across the country to get involved and we are looking forward to seeing the entries.”

Managing director of UK POS Jason Leslie and sales and marketing director Debra Jamieson will choose the winner and the best entries to the competition may be featured in UK POS’s marketing materials Debra said: “Although we work with big name retailers across the

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How did you style your window displays for the festive season?

We’d love to see some pictures.

Send images to our editorial team at ce@scriptmedia.co.uk and you could appear in our next issue.

Flossys R Us owner Sue Appleby-Turner.

Holiday inspired shop celebrates first year THE team behind Scarborough shoe shop Flossys R Us has celebrated its first anniversary after being inspired by a holiday to bring the Mediterranean shoe craze to the town.

The shop sells canvas deck shoes in many different colours, which have grown in popularity in recent years.

Co-owner Sue Appleby-Turner said: “We decided to set up online first, and when they really took off, we thought let’s give it a go properly

and bring these shoes directly to Scarborough.”

The Flossys brand was set up around 25 years ago.

In 2010 the footwear firm sold more than two million pairs and began to expand across Europe.

Sue added: “Our customers have made our new venture a success over the past year and we would like to say a big thank you to customers old and new.”

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The Hanami Night styles for 2014 – Hiko, Kiko and Miko – represent blossoms shimmering in moonlight.

Japanese parties inspire collection

By Christina Eccles TOP designer Freya Rose has launched a new collection, inspired by the night time soirees seen at Japanese parties during the cherry blossom season.

The Hanami Night collection forms part of the Hanami Couture

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collection for 2014, with each style featuring detailed hand embroidery and the finest quality materials.

The Hanami Night styles – Hiko, Kiko and Miko – represent blossoms shimmering in moonlight.

The black and gold symbolises the

essence of Japanese traditional styling and the embroidery in these styles incorporates gold plated hand made flowers, gold thread and Japanese clay beads.

Freya said: “I often tend to be drawn to the Orient for inspiration ... for the culture, art, architecture, films

and beautiful landscapes.

“The new Hanami collection is inspired by one of the most beautiful natural sights in Japan – groves of cherry trees in full blossom. The Hanami tradition is to have daytime picnic parties and moonlit soirees.

It's the most magical time.”

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Independent shop wins child friendly accolade INDEPENDENT shoe shop Funky Monkey Feet is celebrating after winning a top award.

The business won the Mamas and Papas Mum and Dad’s The Word Award for the Best Child Friendly Shop in Cardiff, beating off competition from several well known retailers including Disney, Lego and Hamleys.

Established in 2005, Funky Monkey Feet includes a wide range of stock, as well as a fitting service and kids’ play area.

Gill Kingston-Warren from Mamas and Papas presents the award to Heidi Davies and Cerys Jones.

Bobux launches new baby range

Zamberlan has launched a new boot, designed specifically for women. The Lady Lite GTX RR has been billed as the perfect boot for fell walking and comes with the Zamberlan guarantee of comfort. The boot has a regular performance last with a Vibram Grivolasole, allowing for excellent grip and stability in all conditions. The upper is made from sumptuous Hydrobloc Full Grain Nubuck leather with a Gore-Tex Performance Comfort lining. The boot also has a lower cut cuff for extra comfort on long days out.

CHILDREN’S footwear brand Bobux has designed a new range for babies from 0 to six months.

put feet first; everything we do comes from understanding and loving little feet.

The new-b range – made from 100 per cent leather – is perfectly shaped to cocoon delicate newborn feet, providing the best start to healthy feet for life.

“It’s crucial that shoes allow natural motion of a baby or toddler’s foot. All our shoes use the highest grade leather that is butter-soft ensuring babies and toddlers, not their shoes, are in control of their development.

Suitable for boys and girls, there are four collections – Babydoll, Tutti Frutti, Big Hitters and Icing on the Cake – ensuring there’s something for everyone.

Founder of Bobux International Chris Bennett said: “At Bobux we

“Whilst the new-b range has been developed with newborn feet in mind it does so without compromising on style and the birth of this range has us all feeling like proud parents.”

Van Dal’s Autumn/Winter collection is one to watch WINTER marks a return to longer nights and star-spangled clear skies, breathy walks on cutting cold days.

With a blend of out of this world materials and a dash of urban chic the Van Dal autumn/winter 14 collection is definitely one to watch.

The Moda in Pelle concession in Browns of York.

Ladies’ brand opens 22 new concessions POPULAR ladies footwear brand Moda in Pelle is continuing its ambitious expansion plans with the launch of 22 new concessions in leading UK department stores.

The brand, which has 30 of its own boutique format stores, has launched the new concessions with 13 different retailers, introducing customers to its AW13 collection.

Retail director Ron Stark said: “We

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are committed to our concession strategy. We have grown our retail estate by 65 per cent over the past two months and concessions continue to be a strong growth area for the business. We are dedicated to providing our customers with unrivaled design and attention to detail, combined with excellent customer service in a shopping environment which is aligned with the Moda in Pelle brand.”

Shown here, its Celestial Forest inspired trend looks to a magical, mystical place, one with frankly perfect party season attire. For the gregarious they offer dazzling leathers, luxurious suede and some punchy berry pops to complement the bedrock of any winter season blacks.

Highlight styles include their platform court ‘Filby’, loafer ‘Bethany’ and pump ‘March’. All sport a gorgeous new feature suede, and are available to be paired with matching bag ‘Aloe’.

As you would expect from Van Dal, all three shoes have comfort engineered as standard. Soft materials combine with underfoot cushioning and flexible yet durable soles.

To see more of the Van Dal collection visit MODA stand 031 or call 01603 787100 for an AW14 preview.

Pump: March £75. Available in sizes three – eight. D width fitting.

Court: Filby £90. Available in sizes three – nine. D width fitting.

Loafer: Bethany £80. Available in sizes three – eight. D width fitting.

Bag: Aloe £65.

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GDS is getting a makeover, with a new concept and dates designed to position the event as the kick off trade fair for shoes and accessories.

Christina Eccles caught up with director of GDS and Global Shoes, Kirstin Deutelmoser, on her recent visit to London to find out more.

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‘Three pillar’ approach for new show concept A THREE pillar approach forms the new concept for GDS, with the interests of exhibitors – and visitors – always at the forefront of organisers’ minds.

Consultation with the industry has led to a change in dates, as following research by the show, many people said they felt the current dates were too late and they would like to see GDS take place earlier in the year, allowing buyers to get a better overview of collections at an earlier stage.

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The last show under the current format will run from March 12-14 2014, before the new concept is rolled out at the next show – taking place July 30-August 1 2014.

The ease of feel-good fashion Page 10

Success keeps tradition alive Page 12

The next show after that will then be held February 4-6 2015.

Concurrently, Global Shoes will also be held with a new concept.

Kirstin explained: “We noticed we had some losses of big names, especially because they felt GDS was much too late in the year.

changes will also be seen on the show floor, with the event split into three distinct ‘Shopping Worlds’ – highstreet, pop-up and studio, each with its own distinct style.

Highstreet will Kirstin Deutelmoser include spacious, opulent stands; exhibitors will be encouraged to be as creative as they like in pop-up and studio will have a high end, minimalist feel, complete with white hall architecture.

Kirstin added: “Everyone knows London: Oxford Street is the main shopping destination; urban trends are best found on Neal Street and Bond Street is home to the premium brands.

“We spoke to the industry who said they felt they needed a leading trade show – and something at the beginning of the season.

“This is exactly the segmentation you will also find with us from July: each Shopping World is individually designed and makes visitors feel they are entering a different neighbourhood of the city.”

“We have attached great importance to dialogue with the sector; we wanted to know precisely what retail, industry and the press expect from a leading trade fair.”

In each Shopping World, visitors will also be guided by a ‘highlight route’ – a defined path to help them make the most of their time at the show and take in all the key areas.

As part of the redevelopment, major

The second part of the concept is

called 15 minutes of fame, which will allow exhibitors to stage their brands and present their concepts to visitors.

To ensure exhibitors get maximum exposure, the first day of the show will also include a special press day, while on the third day, bloggers will be invited to cover both exhibitor news and related show activities taking place all over Düsseldorf.

The final part of the concept includes placing Düsseldorf as the city for shoes and accessories while GDS is on, with exhibitors’ retail partners offering numerous events and shows.

Fashion will be centre stage here but a range of topics will also be discussed – including sustainability, new technologies and manufacturing methods – via expert talks and exhibitions.

Going forward, ongoing work with exhibitors will continue to be key, with the show keen to work closely with them to develop the future of the event.

Kirstin added: “We will cooperate with our exhibitors even more closely to jointly communicate their brand messages.

“This not only introduces retailers to attractive innovations but also generates consumer enthusiasm about shoes and accessories through the multipliers and planned events.”

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Out on a Limb cover story

Editor’s comment

Christina Eccles Editor

Retailers excited by New Year

AS we prepare for the start of the New Year, retailers are excitedly looking forward to the coming months, eager to see what 2014 will bring.

And that’s where Out on A Limb is here to help ...

Our annual buyers’ guide – The One – is included in this issue, providing a one-stop shop for busy retailers looking for inspiration.

The guide includes a round up of the hottest brands to watch out for over the coming seasons, as well as some handy hints and tips on how to keep business booming, and those important dates for your 2014 diary. We hope you find it a useful reference point to help with your forward planning.

In other news this issue, we also take a first look at what some of the industry’s biggest shows have in store for us in 2014.

It was particularly exciting to hear more about the new concept for GDS, which is being rolled out next summer. Find out on Page 7 what show director Kirstin Deutelmoser has to say about the future of the show.

We also speak to designer Havva Mustafa, whose family’s love of shoes spans three generations.

She told Out on A Limb why support from those around her has been so important in the success of the business – and reveals more about her latest, upcoming designs and plans for next season.

As always, we love to hear from our readers and find out more about what’s proving popular in your businesses. Contact our editorial team at ce@scriptmedia.co.uk with your news and keep up to date with us between issues online at www.ooalmagazine.co.uk

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Autumn/Winter 2014 – the ease of feel-good fashion and timeless design inspires this collection. With discerning details, luxurious materials and rich leather combinations, plus every shoe also has innovative comfort features, making our sophisticated designs uncommonly comfortable.

THIS season, the Hush Puppies story is one of uncommon craftsmanship, carefree comfort, and undeniable style.

It’s a narrative that’s been evolving since 1958 when folks first experienced a level of comfort that hadn’t been felt before, and hasn’t been outdone since.

We continue to celebrate our rich heritage with authentic styles that are quintessentially Hush Puppies in the Nineteen Fifty-Eight collection.

This collection features some of Hush Puppies favourite genuine styles, with a modern and sophisticated twist.

The Autumn/Winter 2014 season embodies the best of Hush Puppies and what’s most desired by you.

Brimming with essential style, our Signature collection once again delivers classic Hush Puppies comfort in easy-going, easy-to-love designs that are sure to become everyday favourites.

Looking for all-weather style? The WeatherSMART collection features a number of timeless looks enhanced by the promise of all-weather protection and all-out comfort. This collection combines consumers’ wants and needs into one sophisticated all-weather line. No longer do you have to choose between style and sensibility.

With the WeatherSMART collection you can be ready for whatever weather the day may bring. Whether it is a few drops or a downpour that

drenches the streets, your feet will remain perfectly dry and your spirit pleasantly unaffected.

And, taking a confident step forward, we introduce Signature Select. A sophisticated collection that inspires through perfectly crafted, detail-rich styles that caters to the confident and contemporary consumer who crave the perfect balance of taste, style and comfort.

Our commitment to craftsmanship

For Autumn/Winter 2014, we’ve added new premium materials, textures and colour combinations to these cool classics. The brand that invented casual in 1958 continues to inspire the modern classics of today. Four collections that, at their core, represent the very best of Hush Puppies and our unwavering commitment to delivering the incomparable style that makes Hush Puppies a pleasure to wear.

Believing that when you love what you wear, you can’t help but love how you feel.

For more information contact Hush Puppies sales manager Simon Mabey on +44 207 860 0459

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Companies sign up to rebranded Pure PURE London has revealed the names of the first companies which have signed up to its rebranded sections for the AW14 show.

The trade show has benefited from major investment from parent company i2i Events and the February event will see premium brands, emerging designers and trusted sector expertise brought together to create a focused and inspirational buying experience.

brands exhibiting including Sam Ubhi, Fly London, Ruby + Ed and French Connection Footwear.

Portfolio director of fashion and jewellery at i2i Events Group Julie Driscoll said: “The five distinct areas of Pure London have been tailored to meet the needs of buyers ranging from independents through to major multiples and etailers.

At the heart of this will be Pure London’s five re-edited sections; Aspire, Agenda, Allure, Spirit and Footwear and Accessories.

“Buyers visiting Pure London will find the show easy to navigate and the collections will be edited in such a way that they can see, at a glance, the over-riding trends in each section.”

For the first time, footwear and accessories will be combined into one carefully edited area, with

The AW14 edition of Pure London takes place from February 9-11 at London Olympia.

Panorama to build on success INTERNATIONAL fashion trade show Panorama Berlin will take place from January 14 to 16 2014.

Held twice a year during the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Berlin, Panorama Berlin became a success after its premiere in 2013.

Focusing on leading and market relevant brands, Panorama Berlin presents a selection of about 400

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international women's and menswear collections, shoes and accessories. For the upcoming Fall/Winter 2014/2015 season, Panorama Berlin introduces a new concept The Mall. Within the surroundings of a prestigious shopping mall, renowned fashion labels will display their diverse shop concepts – from stores to fashion corners, to shop-in-shops.

ISPO puts you in touch TAKING place from January 26-29, ISPO MUNICH 2014 will showcase over 2,000 international exhibitors from the performance sports, sport style, action sports, sourcing and other traditional sports markets.

Whether you are in performance sports, sports style, ski, outdoor, design, a student or sourcing new brand opportunities – ISPO is the one sports community that you really need to be part of.

Over 80,000 visitors attended in 2013 from more than 100 countries, with a steadily growing number of UK professionals among them.

Enabling brands, retailers and all those involved in the business of sport to discover and benefit from the most creative and dynamic market opportunities, ISPO puts you in touch with everything and everyone you need.

UK brands are strongly represented throughout all 16 halls of the show, from creative newcomers to big brand names. A strong outdoor presence in Hall B6 is seen with the new UK Village area.

show round-up

From product developments, to innovative ideas for visual merchandising, even industry careers.

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Coming from a family of footwear designers, Havva Mustafa is keeping the family tradition alive with the success of her own brand. She shared her story so far with Out on A Limb’s Christina Eccles.

HAVVA’s success keeps family tradition alive ...

HAVVA is the third generation of her family to go into the footwear industry – following in the footsteps of her father and grandfather – and her business is very much a family affair.

The brand – simply called HAVVA – has been growing for the last couple of years, after Havva, who honed her craft at the London College of Fashion, before working for other designers, decided she was ready to go it alone.

She explained: “The business is growing step by step, with support from my family, especially my dad – I’m still learning from him.

“We’ll be at Pure next year, which will be the first time we’ve exhibited the brand in London.

“The customers I already have can come and visit us there – and see the new collection – and we can also speak to new customers, so it’s a great opportunity.”

According to Havva, her designs are very much focused on the shoes themselves – sharp, clean lines and simple shapes. Her favourites include the Ascot boot from the A/W13 collection – available in all black; bordeaux and black or tan and black colour options – and the Athena sandal for S/S14.

She is currently working on the A/W14 collection, which will be shown at Pure, and she revealed it’s shaping up well.

She added: “I’m very excited about this collection. It’s got a lot of colour blocking, long lean lines and geometry.

“Each collection is different. I’m

always walking around with my eyes wide open, taking things in.

“A lot of inspiration comes from buildings and architecture. My brand is about strong, clean lines, simplicity and the silhouette of the shoes.”

The brand is stocked online and also in some independent boutiques, with Havva and her team using the website and the power of social media to successfully get the word out about her shoes.

Long term, she told Out on A Limb, she would like to build up her following even further, and may one day consider opening her own shop.

She added: “We are trying to build the brand through a presence on social media, on sites such as Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram, which help to create a buzz.

“We’ve also done some YouTube videos, which show who we are and what we are about.

“We’d now like to establish ourselves more in the UK and European markets and give ourselves more of a fanbase – whatever happens after that is a bonus.

“To be able to get into Pure in the UK and Who’s Next in Paris is amazing. There are exciting times ahead.”

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Showroom combines agencies SHOWROOM 333 is a new showroom combining four major agencies and more than 10 international brands selling footwear, apparel and accessories.

Conveniently located in West London, it is only three miles from Oxford street and 10 minutes from Olympia.

The four agencies are: Cocoonpartners, RJS Sales and marketing, CED sales and marketing and Fabrizio Corsini.

The brands available are: Art, Neosens, Inuovo, PLDM, Laidback, Manas, Redwing, Buttero, Johnson motors, Pam and IMAC.

Italian-style footwear MANAS is an Italian footwear manufacturing company that has contributed to making Italian-made goods famous the world over.

In White ladies’ shoes are made to flatter. Very fashionable yet very wearable, the products are made in Spain with care and quality materials. Spain 4 Wear S.L.

Y-R-U now available in UK

It’s a company proud of belonging to an ancient industrial area, in the heart of the sunny Marche region, on the Adriatic coast.

Y-R-U (Youth Rise Up) is the latest creative footwear brand taking North America by storm… and they’re now available in the UK and Europe.

Manas is a world of men’s and women’s footwear, both fashion and casual, along with accessories.

Springing from great attention to quality, from creativity and Italian style. All together, these represent the deepest core of Italian fashion and way of life, recognisable everywhere on the International scene.

The collection for Fall 14 combines the creativity, Italian style, quality, attention to detail with modern styling.

Disposable Non Slip Flips from Spain 4 Wear Agencies. Made in Spain using antibacterial, recyclable materials for use in spas, hotels, travel etc. The products are available in multipacks, multicolours and branded to suit.

La Paire’s ballet flats are handmade in Spain from the finest Spanish leathers.

Each pair has a pointed-toe, as opposed to a rounded-toe, to give them a more polished, grown up feel. The ballet flat range is named after founder Amy La’s two young nieces, Alexandra and Elizabeth and their colourful, fun and playful attitude to life. The w/s price is £55.60.

Designed in California, Y-R-U takes its cultural influences from the edgy music scene in the USA, providing an affordable, edgy street style to a new generation of individual thinkers.

From feminine flats, to 90’s style platforms to sandals with serious attitude, Y-R-U encourages you to

make a statement and break from the mundane. Not one to follow, YR-U will continue to push the boundaries as it stamps its authority on the UK fashion scene.

Y-R-U …created to create …inspired to inspire …liberated to liberate Reach for the galaxy, it’s not as far as it seems.

PLDM available in stores PALLADIUM was created in 1920, initially manufacturing tyres for the aviation industry and developed a unique industrial process: vulcanisation of rubber and canvas.

It quickly became the major supplier to most European airline fleets.

However, the Second World War left the aviation industry in ruins. In 1947, with his experience, Palladium opened a factory in Pont de l'Isère Cheruy but this time producing shoes, using the same principle of vulcanization of rubber and canvas.

The shoes were soon adopted by the French Foreign Legion for their troops as they combined the new product showcase

practicality, comfort, functionality and strength of the original model Palladium boots.

Today, PLDM by Palladium produce a footwear collection that is authentic in design, using clean lines, rich leathers and suedes which are appreciated by adventurers from around the world.

PLDM by Palladium is available through major department stores and independents across Europe.

Wholesale prices start at £40.

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Pod unveils two new styles for outgoing individuals KYLE and Sprint are some of the latest styles from Pod Footwear, designed with outgoing individuals in mind.

Kyle features high quality suede uppers with leather detailing, whilst Sprint features high quality leather with a distressed look.

Both styles are perfect for those who want to smarten up their casual look when going out with friends.

Pair them up with a pair of jeans and you’re good to go.

Being both comfortable and light, you’ll be reaching for these shoes time after time.

The shoes have been created with high quality materials to give that premium-casual look.

Kyle – available now

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These wardrobe staples from IKON are designed with comfort and style in mind. A black leather formal available in both a lace (Spider) and slip on (Lizard) version to cover all tastes. Made from quality leather and modestly priced, these styles are a perfect addition to any range. Sizes ranges available: two – five youths RRP £45.00 and six – 12 mens. RRP £50.00

Sizes available: 40-46

Sprint – available in SS14

men’s footwear

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Daisy Roots shoes – the perfect impulse buy DAISY Roots is the UK’s leading manufacturer of soft leather shoes for babies, toddlers and young children.

Sold both in the UK and exported internationally, Daisy Roots are the perfect first shoe.

The ideal school shoe TOUGHEES leather school shoes are the number one best selling school shoe in South Africa, where school uniform is strict, smart and classic.

Quality, style and comfort are the main requirement for all parents and children when it comes to buying school shoes and Toughees’ success has proven that UK customers think Toughees fit the bill.

clean with a damp cloth.

A variety of classical styles from girls’ Mary-Janes and boys’ velcro and lace up shoes, Toughees are the uniform shoe for schools such as the London Oratory School and recommended at Dulwich College amongst others.

With over 150 retail stockists and online in the UK, Toughees are a great British school shoe too.

Sought out by parents looking for something different but also reassured that the shoes are tried and tested, Toughees are the ideal school shoe brand to offer choice, quality and comfort to customers.

Manufactured from high quality cow’s leather, coated for extra shine and protection making the leather non-polish, simply wipe it

UK stockholding – excellent margins – no minimums – Toughees school shoes ... go the distance.

Kool 4 Kids + Back to School

Each pair has a non-slip suede sole enabling toddlers to feel the floor as they find their feet. The elasticated ankle means that no matter how active the child, they stay on. Our shoes are easy to put on whilst being supple enough to allow little toes the room they need to stretch and grow. The soft chrome free leather we use allows little feet to breathe and helps make our shoes the closest thing to bare feet, just as medics recommend.

Daisy Roots has been hand making

soft leather baby and toddler shoes in the UK for nearly 20 years.

Our range includes gorgeous designs for little boys and girls with sizes to suit newborns to children of up to four years old.

For further information call Daisy Roots on 01604 880066 or visit www.daisy-roots.com Early Days has been manufacturing baby shoes in Leicester since 1952 and in that time have built a reputation for supplying quality footwear with low minimum order quantities, backed up by a very reliable delivery service. The company’s latest collection of leather pram shoes see the addition of some gorgeous leopard and hearts printed leathers with more exciting designs on the way. In January, Early Days will once again be exhibiting at Bubble, The Business Design Centre, London, January 26-27. The full leather collection will be on display.

Winter 2013/14

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Update for ‘Stag’ range THE Pod Footwear ‘Stag’ Back to School collection has been updated, with some designs featuring rubber and mesh panel detailing.

The range comprises Stan, our classic Pod lace-up style with authentic Pod logo details, Saxon with a double Velcro fastening for that perfect fit, Saul a super comfortable slip-on with added elastic under the tongue and Spike an ever-popular lace-up wallaby design. Every shoe in the Pod school range has been designed with the school child in mind.

All styles feature Permair leather uppers, ensuring the shoes are scuff resistant, breathable, water resistant and wipe clean. For durability each style features a TPR non-marking sole which is stitched to the uppers to provide longevity.

Kids’ shoes for all seasons ALL kids want to explore the world around them whatever the weather.

Superfit (the children’s company of LEGeRO Schuhfabrik) from Austria understand this and have been making children’s shoes which are designed with kids in mind.

Kids want shoes that look cool and parents want shoes that are durable and sturdy for the everyday demands of kids of all ages.

Superfit are a brand partner of W L Gore & Associates who manufacture the waterproof and breathable membrane GORE-TEX. This partnership brings together two

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companies who aim to produce the best products that allow kids to have fun in shoes that can keep up with all of their adventures.

Superfit make shoes for all seasons and all adventures with gorgeous first walkers, sporty trainers, fashion high tops, stylish heeled boots, apres ski boots, holiday sandals and fun slippers in seasonal fashion colours.

There is also a Back to School collection for the UK and Ireland, Superfit have it all covered.

The collections are produced in sizes 18 – 43 and shoes and boots have a removable Insole.

Kool 4 Kids + Back to School

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Advertiser’s announcement

Move forward with MBT – the new Spring Summer collection 2014 WITH their unique rocker sole that emulates the feeling of walking barefoot, MBT shoes have a loyal fan base and have grown in popularity for their health and wellbeing benefits.

MBT is renowned for providing superior shock absorption which may help to alleviate back, foot and knee pain. And now, the brand has evolved, improved and been updated once again for the Spring/Summer collection 2014.

Each shoe is made from high-quality materials such as full-grain leather,

Comfort meets fashion

nubuck, mesh, PU and TPU, and durable rubber. But new technology has been added to further enhance the range.

A new sensor has been introduced in addition to ‘MBT-Lite’ – a new midsole which makes the product significantly lighter (30 per cent), improving the durability, yet still retaining the MBT core benefits which are well trusted with MBT consumers.

With sleek and stylish silhouettes, fresh new pastels and brights, as well as our well-loved blacks and

browns, the collection theme is ‘Move Forward.’ There are designs for all occasions, from the casual comfort of Azima Lace, to sporty styles and even men’s dress shoes.

The highlights of the collection include the new pre- and postexercise shoes designed to recharge your body, as we have discovered that the use of the MBT technology after exercising can help recovery and also refresh your body.

Styles to look out for include Zuwena Sport-strap for women, a funky sandal-cum-sports shoe –

perfect for the active MBT enthusiast.

Styled using light-reflecting contemporary materials and neon bright colours, this new exciting collection is targeted at a younger, active consumer.

Women’s casuals collection has been updated with a refreshing new colour palette, with new sandals and boat styles to excite our fans.

The range is more lightweight, more durable and more comfortable than ever! Let’s Move Forward with the New MBT.

Winter 2013/14

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Hotter delivers a year of strong performance and continued investment LEADING British footwear brand Hotter has revealed its business results for 2012, with the company reporting a strong performance and growth in both the UK and overseas.

Legero produces ‘fashion with function’ range LEGERO Schuhfabrik from Austria know all about comfort as they have been producing high quality, lightweight footwear for many years.

And the demands from consumers who do not want to compromise fashion with comfort has led their designers to produce a range of shoes all year round which could be titled ‘Fashion with Function’.

Legero are a brand partner of W L Gore & Associates who manufacture the waterproof and breathable membrane GORE-TEX. This partnership brings together two companies who aim to produce the best products for the end consumer which can be used for every occasion and in all weathers.

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Legero use only the highest quality materials, the uppers materials range from soft nappa, durable nubuck to colourful suedes and sporty textiles.

The sole units are Direct Injection PU and some are combined with a TPU outsole. All shoes and boots have removable insoles and have comfort lining materials to ensure a good comfort fit is achieved.

In Spring Summer the collection is made up of sneakers, ballerinas and sandals in bright, summer trend led colours.

The winter collection has boots which will look good in both the city and the countryside and are offered in seasonal fashion materials.

In 2012, the company opened 21 new standalone branches and created over 200 new jobs.

Overseas sales also grew by 44 per cent – driven by a second consecutive year of strong performance in the USA – and the company explored opportunities in new markets, including the Middle East and Russia, with plans to start trading in Germany in 2014.

Revenues for the period grew by nine per cent to £74.9m, while underlying profits were up 16 per cent.

Chairman of Hotter Peter Chappelow said: “We are pleased with the results for 2012 and this means we have now doubled our turnover over the last four years.

“Next year, we plan further investment in our new product range and branding, which has already been appealing to our existing 1m customers as well as a growing

number of new ones.

“Our international website is due to be launched in the first half of 2014, driving further sales in the USA, and supporting the roll-out of our sales channels in other markets.”

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Diamonfire has created two distinct heart design bracelets, perfect for Valentines Day. Collections are inspired by the eternal magic of diamonds and the glamour of fashion icons like Coco Chanel, Elizabeth Taylor and Marlene Dietrich.

accessories

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Alexandra launches Glassware specialist website scoops top accolade GLASSWARE specialist Samantha Donaldson has scooped a top award for her creations, which include a range of glass jewellery.

better businesses, has offered her an intensive coaching programme and a business club membership with the organisation.

The De Montfort University graduate was awarded the prize for the ‘most promising creative and entrepreneurial design maker’ at the MADE LONDON Design and Craft Fair in Marylebone.

She said: “I am so very proud and grateful to the Design Trust for believing in me and for the opportunity of support to help me and to help my business grow.

Samantha runs her own business selling her glass pieces and, as part of the prize, the Design Trust, an online business school which seeks to aid designers to create and run

“I was extremely excited and emotional when the judges awarded me with my plaque and a rosette.

Since receiving the award I have been given such positive feedback from the public.”

MILLINER Alexandra Harper has created a new website which allows her custom made creations to be shipped all over the world.

The site offers detailed information on the designer, her collections and press clippings and includes details of the current Spring/Summer 2014 and Autumn/Winter 2013 offerings.

It also profiles the Alexandra Harper Millinery bespoke service, allowing the design studio to tailor hats and headpieces to exacting requirements via online and telephone consultation.

In addition to this, customers are invited to visit the London studio where all one-off designs are handcrafted.

Chic marks 20th anniversary with return to original home CHIC is celebrating its 20th anniversary as the UK’s only dedicated national trade event for fashion and travel accessories.

The line up of UK and international brands at the show include: Ashwood, Bagnara, Baiadera, Bolla Bags, Boot Candy, Bulaggi, Claudia Canova, Easton Design, Firelog, Golunski, Gorjus, Hansson, H.DUE.O umbrellas, Jensen Leathers, Joaquim Farrer, Kalivalson, KU, Maria Carla, Mistero Venizia, Nova, NV Bags, Accessories by Park Lane, Pell Mell, Roberta Gandolfi, Roberto Grasselli, Saccoo, Smith & Canova, Sirco, Tonuti Alma, Troop London, Urban Country bags.

It has been also announced that the popular trade event will return to its original home at The National Motorcycle Museum from January 19–21 2014.

The venue was always extremely popular with exhibitors and visitors due to its luxurious facilities, ease of parking by the entrance, and fantastic location within a few minutes taxi ride from Birmingham International Airport and Railway Station at the NEC. Chic is unique in the fact that it is an ‘in-season’ buying event, timed right at the start of the selling season so retailers are able to buy ‘what they want, when they need it’.

Most exhibitors will therefore be selling from stock for immediate delivery.

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New product launches have always been popular at Chic.

Sky & Soul are among new exhibitors at the show.

As always Chic offers an edited collection of high quality suppliers at every price point, featuring the ‘best brands in the business’ making your buying easy, relaxed and enjoyable … all the reasons why it has been such a popular event with its loyal following for 20 years.

This season sees the debut of Amazona Secrets, Bags2Keep, Freehold and Skye & Soul.

Plus a very exciting new brand to be announced shortly before the show by one of the industry’s most popular brands… keep an eye on the Chic website for details: www.chicuk.com

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Give your customers the gift of ‘click and collect’ become a standard option when shopping online, and a feature all retailers must offer in order to truly succeed.

By Ian Tomlinson, chief executive of Cybertill EVERYONE has experienced the frustration of buying online but being out when the courier calls.

For retailers to offer such a facility they need live stock levels and sales figures across their business. So how can online and independent footwear retailers offer click and collect? A simple way to do this is via a web-based EPoS system.

Then you have to try and reschedule the delivery or go and collect it from a central depot. Just more hassle when buying online is supposed to be straightforward.

Well there is a solution for online retailers and frustrated customers in ‘click and collect’.

Gola has appointed Paul Swannack as key accounts manager for footwear, apparel and bags to support the company’s ongoing business growth.

Paul’s wealth of experience within similar roles in the sports and leisure industry spans over 17 years, working for leading brands including Adidas and Reebok. In his new role, Paul will aim to further build Gola’s relationships and pioneer the new Gola sub-brands – Gola Outdoor, Gola Active and Gola Ativo 5 – to key multiple and independent retailers nationwide.

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Click and collect is helping retailers of all sizes to increase their delivery options to suit shoppers’ ever expanding needs.

As shoppers continue to place importance on convenience, click and collect allows customers to get what they want, where they want it.

A recent report predicted that click and collect purchases are set to grow by more than two thirds, and will be worth over £4bn by 2018.

Independent footwear retailers can now be as flexible as larger retailers in offering increased convenience to

This is because with web-based systems there is just one product and customer database, hosted online, which all locations and sales channels share.

Ian Tomlinson

customers, allowing them to browse and order goods online or via a mobile device, and collect from their store.

Not only does click and collect stop the need for customers to wait in for deliveries, it also helps customers feel more assured in their purchase and increase brand trust as they can visit a physical location with real people.

This phenomenon looks set to

So this means a retailer has visibility of all sales as they happen and with it real time stock levels.

So you don’t get the situation where customers reserve a product online only to get to the store to be told there is no stock of that item, now that would be frustrating.

The future of retail is about flexibility and offering customers: choice, convenience and excellent service.

Click and collect does all three of these.

Business + Technology

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Moda in Pelle unveils new lifestyle hub FOOTWEAR brand Moda in Pelle has launched a new digital platform for customers.

The blog, It’s All In The Detail, is hosted on Tumblr and is set to become a lifestyle hub for Moda in Pelle’s consumers where the audience can further engage with the brand and keep up with the latest trends.

To boost the blog’s profile, Moda in Pelle has collaborated with some of the UK’s most influential fashion bloggers to provide imagery.

Kristabel Plummer of I Want You to Know, Lucy Nicholls of Shiny Thoughts and Anneli Willis, What I Bought Today, were tasked with capturing the detail of style capitals, including Stockholm and Rome.

Imagery from the trips will be included on the blog, in addition to featuring on Moda in Pelle’s social media platforms, Pinterest and a newly launched Instagram account.

Retail marketing manager Sharon Poulter said: “The new lifestyle blog will become a must-see for fashionable women and offers an insight into the personality of the brand.”

New technology drives company’s expansion

By Christina Eccles A GUERNSEY-based independent retailer has invested in new technology to drive the company’s expansion.

Its two stores, Holeshot and HS2 – one selling surf equipment, casual clothing, footwear and accessories for men, women and children, the other a unisex young fashion business – have opted for an EPoS and e-commerce solution from two technology companies specialising in apparel retail, LOIS Systems and J2 Retail Systems.

Co-owner and managing director Marc Maubec said: “It’s been our long-term ambition to trade online.

“We’re well established and even in winter we have a good local following but, given our stock, our trade is largely seasonal.

“Tourists arrive in great numbers in the summer months especially on cruise ships, which is a growing business for the island. All this makes for lots of passing trade, which we welcome, but we have no means of keeping in touch and selling again to those customers.”

The new solution of LOIS EPoS software, running on J2 615 touchscreen terminals, has now been installed in both stores, meaning the businesses can now maintain year-long customer contact.

hardware was slow and we were concerned about the future.

Marc added: “In the past 10 years we’ve spent money expanding and improving our retail space, at the same time knowing that to move forward an online platform is essential to supplement local trade and keep in contact with seasonal clients when they’re back at home.

“LOIS is going to be great for recording purchase history and analysing customers, which will support our loyalty programme and build sales. We’ve only been live for a couple of months and we’re already starting to build up data that shows how the season is panning out. We hope the new system will make us a more profitable business, more streamlined and efficient.”

“Our previous system did the job but was getting dated. In particular, the

“When we saw the LOIS system, we knew this was the way forward and we opted for a complete software and hardware package.

Jules B stays one step ahead with launch of new website ESTABLISHED in 1984, Jules B specialises in designer menswear, womenswear, footwear and accessories, with a vast product offering from some of the biggest names in the fashion industry including Paul Smith, Vivienne Westwood and Hugo Boss.

Boasting three stores around the North East of England, five eCommerce websites in various languages to cater to a worldwide audience, a mobile site and various other routes to market, Jules B has grown into a leading name in the world of fashion and footwear independents.

responsive challenge head on, and the results have been outstanding.

Facing the responsive challenge…

Through a balanced mix of mobile optimised images, straightforward navigation, and flexible layouts that condense as required, www.julesb.com has been given a new lease of life in the competitive world of fashion eCommerce, and secured its place as one of the leading names in the industry thanks to its bespoke platform.

By 2015, it's estimated that 1b people will be accessing the web exclusively via mobile devices, and even now the consistent growth in the use of tablets and smart phones has secured the popularity of mCommerce shopping, which is why responsive eCommerce is becoming increasingly important for retailers.

By taking a responsive approach to the design and build of online stores and offering seamless performance across all viewing devices, Jules B can deliver an optimal viewing and buying experience to both new and existing customers, whether they're browsing via a smart phone, tablet or desktop computer.

Consistent with the company’s continuous strategy to invest in, and improve existing routes to market, Jules B turned to its dedicated web developer Visualsoft to face the

So, what next?

Business + Technology

Jules B’s mission is to be the number one destination for designer fashion, footwear and accessories.

Launching with Visualsoft’s Responsive eCommerce Web Design has allowed Jules B to grow revenue through various devices, attracting a wider range of consumers and target audiences, as well as ensuring Jules B is one step ahead of its competitors. Following on from the successful launch of www.julesb.com, the company will be commissioning Visualsoft to redesign its four additional fascias with a Responsive Design, giving Jules B a fully respon-

sive presence in the industry.

Head of eCommerce and development at Jules B, Tom Baxter, said: “Visualsoft’s Responsive solution has given us the power and ability to attract consumers on the move from all over the world – the aesthetics and functionality of the new site are second to none.”

For more information on the Responsive Design services available from Visualsoft eCommerce, visit www.visualsoft.co.uk Winter 2013/14

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DIARYdates

RETAIL SOLUTIONS

RETAIL SOLUTIONS

Bread & Butter: January 14 -16 2014

Panorama Berlin: January 14 -16 2014

Scoop London: January 19 - 21 2014

Chic UK: January 19 - 21 2014

ISPO Munich: January 26 - 29 2014

London Edge:

TRAINING

February 2 - 4 2014

Contacts Sales Tony Barry – Sales & Marketing Director (tb@scriptmedia.co.uk) Beverley Green – Group Sales Manager (bg@scriptmedia.co.uk) Avertising Contacts Tel: 01226 734333 Fax: 01226 734477

Editorial Judith Halkerston – Group Editor Nicola Hyde – Editor Christina Eccles – Reporter Dominic Musgrave – Reporter Editorial Contacts Tel: 01226 734694 Email: nh@scriptmedia.co.uk

Design & Production Stewart Holt – Studio Manager (sth@scriptmedia.co.uk) Laura Blackburn – Graphic Designer (lb@scriptmedia.co.uk)

Circulation 01226 734695 (24 hour hotline) Email: circulation@scriptmedia.co.uk

To advertise in Out on a Limb magazine please contact Bev Green on 01226 734 288

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