WHAT CAUGHT MY EYE...

There’s so much to see at Moda, so many brands to talk to and so many buyers to catch up with, that I’m always amazed how much we manage to cram in.

Likewise, the sheer volume of quality product across so many different industry sectors never fails to impress me. If I were a buyer, I’d feel pretty confident about finding precisely the right kind of commercially viable stock at the show. 

So it’s no surprise there were plenty of stand-out pieces catching my eye this season, many of them with strong colourways or quirky touches. I’ve pulled together a few of my favourites for you to take a look at (below).

Makki Bags

Blink Leopard Shoes

Camel Active Footwear

Dents

Gucinari Footwear

Renata Bags

Riva Sandals

Sugar Boots

Suzie Blue Jewellery

I also made time to pop into Flip – the UK’s new trade show for urban, street, board and action sports lifestyle clothing and footwear – which had an exciting buzz about it.

It could have been the on-trend product and the uber-cool exhibitors and visitors, but it was also definitely something to do with the Animal Bike Tour show, which had spectators on the edge of their seats right way through….and when you see the pictures, you’ll understand why!

You’ll find a full review of Moda and Flip in the September issue of the magazine.

Suzanna Bain, online editor, Fashionextras-online.co.uk x

YOUR STAFF ARE THE MOST PRECIOUS SALES TOOL YOU POSSES

The one item of ‘clothing’ that can serious damage your health and alter your entire physiology is your footwear, but unlike in Germany, still the UK government neglects to insist on formal qualification – it is left to moral obligation rather than legal obligation.

The Society of Shoe Fitters has been running qualification courses for 53 years which is what helps them to maintain help-lines, website, foothealth education leaflets etc., however they acknowledge that there are many good shoe retail staff that know how to do the job properly and have no formal qualifcation. 

Staff may be extremely knowledgeable about their products, feet and the ability to actual ‘fit’ shoes, but may have nothing to prove they know what they are doing.  Spending a day with a manufacturer, or learning from well experienced colleagues is extremely beneficial, but does not provide them with an all-round sense of achievement or overall stamp of approval.

The not-for-profit SSF is addressing this problem.  They work with the finest people in the industry and continue to do so with their training and support systems.  Now they are approaching those that DO know what they are doing and helping them to prove it.

The SSF have introduced a new Entrance Application which should be extremely straightforward for experienced shoe retail staff… in addition they have also made it affordable to all, merely £50.   Now, for the price of one pair of shoes, you can provide your business, and an experienced member of your staff, with national recognition.

If you or your colleagues would like to take part you can download the Application without obligation from the SSF website (www.shoefitters-uk.org) or pick up a hard copy at MODA (Stand S40). Successful conclusion gives membership of this prestigious and reputable organisation (M.S.S.F.), so if your shop needs something new to shout about and a U.S.P. to upstage your competition, look no further!

For inexperienced staff the 5 month course starts September 1st and the 10 month course starts October 1st.

Laura West, www.shoefitters-uk.org  Email: secretary@shoefitters-uk.org  Tel. 01953-851171

REASSURANCE IN RETAIL

I was recently awarded the Young Retailer of the Year award by the British Independent Retailers Association (Bira), which was a fantastic reassurance that I am working in the right direction when it comes to retail.

The award was something I came across when I was at a committee meeting for FAB (Fashion Association of Britain) – the new division of Bira that acts as the voice of independent retailers in the fashion sector – and I thought it would be a useful marketing exercise for the business, as well as something for which I wanted to apply for my own personal development.

I am always looking for opportunities for the business, and awards can be a good way to promote an independent store. Like most retailers, however, I had not placed much value on what I was doing because I felt someone else somewhere else was doing something better. Working in an independent boutique, I think we all feel isolated at times, so awards can be a great source of reassurance.

I have been immersed in this industry from an early age because my mother owns Ambiance of Colchester but, having taken on more areas of responsibility, I have discovered my key areas of interest. Winning the award has increased my innate thirst to learn even more about the fashion industry and working in retail.

Melissa Wheeler, marketing and PR manager, Ambiance of Colchester, Essex