Does anyone own or run a kids shoe shop ?

[scatterbrain]

We are severely lacking a good kids shoe shop in my area - we have Clarks but that's it - no Start Rite, Lelli Kelly or any of the other interesting brands anywhere ! It is a wealthy area with lots of kids - and I am idly wondering about setting up a new shoe shop ! I am certain there is a market !

Does anyone have a shoe shop ?

Am just wondering what the profit margins are like - how hard it is to get stock etc

anyone ?

Also - would you buy shoes from someone's house ?

I don't think I would buy shoes from someones house, as I would feel obliged even if nothing suited/fitted.

I would love to run a shoe shop, but have no advice to offer. Sorry.

scatterbrain I know someone who started off selling the shoes by appointment either in their home or customers. They have now opened up a shop, as they could see a market.

They stock lovely, if expensive shoes - I bought a pair for dd they cost £50 but I have to say that they were the best shoes she has ever had, they lasted a good 9 months, and looked good enough to pass onto another little girl. The brand was Hupsake (I think) and I'm sure they are only sold in the UK by the person local to me

good luck, I do think it is a good idea.

here is the website so you can take a look
www.tootzees.co.uk

A shoe party scheme? Like Virgin Vie etc, you come round and show the shoes and they can order? I think it might work out.

There's a perfect show shop in Sherborne, Dorset called Little Monsters and downstairs they have Start Rite shoes and also sell beautiful wooden toys and gifts (eg Dou Dou's, trains etc) and then upstairs they have a large room full of clothes rails with designer boys and girls clothes from mainly France I think. Again, like your area, it's quite wealthy and the clothes and toys are all a bit different and the shoes are a nice change from Clarkes! Great idea - always room for more interesting show shops in the UK I think.

Oh replies - thank you !!!

There is a place near here where a couple sell unusual sporty type stuff - things like mbt trainers - out of their garage ! you're right though - I have been putting off makiing an appointment to be measured for mbts as I would feel obliged to buy !

I was just thinking if I could do it via ebay and from home for local clients to begin with I could continue to work part-time and not give up work completely - also saving the cost of premises while a start up !

I would so like to do it !

Must try and find out what the mark up is like on shoes !

thanks for your comments