Tim Little, CEO, Grenson Ltd. “It’s strange when you’re in a recession because you’d expect everyone to be suffering, but they aren’t. There is real turbulence out there with some retailers doing well and others struggling. I think it’s going to be tough, but with a bit of common sense and good stock management I don’t think it’ll be as bad as some are expecting. The Goodyear Welted companies, like ourselves, will still succeed as the trend for brands with real heritage will continue for a while yet and men will continue to buy less but of higher quality. If the recession does get worse, I think it’ll be the brands that lack either the quality or a story that will really suffer.”
Dan Gyves, Joint MD, Esska Design. “2012 is likely to be a challenging year for mid/upper-mid market footwear brands as a result of a competitive retail base and price sensitivity. While the premium and value extremes of the market are likely to grow, brands in the mid market are going to have to provide original and distinctive product, greater customer service, think outside of the box and look for new market opportunities to achieve growth. The internet is going to play an ever important role in 2012 – branded web stores and on-line retailers will offer some stability while social media and blogs will help to keep brands front of mind and drive consumer interest.”
Tony Evans, MD, Jacobson Group. “I won’t be the first to say that we are faced with trying times ahead but, if we rise to the challenge, with a proactive and creative approach, we can all benefit from the opportunities as a result. As an industry we need to encourage people to spend through offering great product and presenting this in an interesting and creative way – a way in which we capture the public’s imagination – giving a reason to buy. Supporting this, it’s important that we invest in our people and our brands in order to remain innovative, but with a true point of difference. There are also opportunities from new markets and resourceful businesses will identify these in order to develop business further and safeguard from future threats.”
Stuart Marsh, Warden to the Trade, Worshipful Company of Pattenmakers; Group Executive Chairman: Chatham Marine Ltd, Rainbow Club Ltd and Sterling & Hunt Ltd. “2012 will be an even more challenging year than 2011 and that was bad enough. The legal rape of retail businesses I’m sure will continue. Run it badly…get it back for nothing. Rid yourselves of debt… and to hell with the staff, the suppliers and the landlords. It should stop!! But it’s legal, so it won’t. “Who do we supply?” that is the million dollar question! Who can we trust? We as a ‘footwear’ nation are getting a very bad reputation with manufacturers overseas, which has a negative effect on the honest, honourable retailers and distributors. Please, please let quality and reliability be in its rightful place ahead of price. Niche brands that offer great service, design and value will prosper. Jacks of all trades are masters of none. I have said at many times that it is important for retailers to have open and honest relationships with suppliers. When one works with the professionals, confidence grows and there is nothing a good supplier will not do for them. Let’s work together honestly and openly in 2012.”