Street view of The Golden Boot in England
The Golden Boot is a shoe store in England that has been around for more than 200 years, and has just started a new website for their shoes. I interviewed Lydia of The Golden Boot (online store: www.thegoldenboot.co.uk) to find out more about the history of this store, and here’s what she had to say:
I see The Golden Boot has been around for over 200 years! Can you please tell us a little about the store and what makes it unique?
The Golden Boot is the oldest independent shoe retailer in England. Established in 1790 it has remained in the same family throughout its long history, and the sixth generation- Edward Martin is now Managing Director of the store. Our diverse range of stock is what makes our shop unique. Our buyers source from all over Europe and beyond whilst remaining loyal to traditional English shoe making. It is really important for us to offer something a little different and to provide fantastic and traditional customer service.
How do the shoes available at the brick-and-mortar store differ from those on the website?
We offer the same range of shoes online as we do in our store because it is product that we know and from brands that we and our customers trust. It is very important for us to get a realistic idea of how each style fits and so on delivery the staff happily try everything on and offer great feedback on the styles we are putting online.
Do you have a favorite shoe fashion icon?
My favourite shoe icon would have to be Rupert Sanderson. His designs are always crisp and sleek, understated and very flattering.
Panoramic picture of the ladies section in The Golden Boot
Are there any speial online sales going on right now that my readers should know about? (And can we offer Shoe Smitten readers a special discount code?)
We do have our end of season sale on at the moment, we have a selection of Ladies shoes at great discounted price. If Shoe Smitten readers use the code “exclusive” in the promotion box they will be entitled to an extra 10% off the entire sale.
Can you share with us a few of your bestselling womens and mens styles?
Our best sellers for ladies this season have been-
Romika Ethnic, which was a really popular summer mule, it literally sold out in the lime green in a matter of days.
Birkenstocks have had a great season this year, we find that the floral patterned styles are the most popular.
Gabor Stand, a classic summer pump with leather knot detailing, it came in white, red and black and received a great reaction in store.
Our best sellers for mens this season have been-
Anantomic Gel Tapajos, a really comfortable shoe from a company that is at the forefront of comfort technology.
Pikolinos Tibet, a continental and casual style typically Spanish.
Timberland 72565, a classic deck shoe, perfect for the summer months.
What would you change about the current shoe retail industry?
I think I would like to see more independent retailers offering something a little different. Every High Street shoe brand offers the same styles and from the same settings. I think that little companies offer great product and add character to the trade.
What’s next for The Golden Boot?
At present we are getting ready for the Back to School rush, our busiest period of the year. We are also going to be doing lots more work on our website, getting all the new AW 2009 range available to buy from the site and working hard to offer a unique range of shoes.
Thanks Lydia! Visit www.thegoldenboot.co.uk to learn more and view the assortment of shoes The Golden Boot has to offer.
