The Footwear Industry Awards took place at the National Motorcycle Museum. Friends and colleagues joined together to celebrate the successes of the past year, rewarding the people, retailers and brands that have captured the industry’s attention.
Guests enjoyed a Champagne reception, followed by a sumptuous three course meal with fine wine. The evening was compered by comedian Ian Moore and included 23 award presentations for outstanding performance, a charity ‘Red & Black’ fundraiser, in aid of the Great North Air Ambulance and Footwear Friends, followed by an after dinner casino with fabulous prizes up for grabs, including an iPad 4 with retina display (16GB, WiFi); a night’s accommodation, an evening meal and two spa treatments at a top hotel, and a Fortnum and Mason Champagne and Port gift set.
Event Director Paul Ryder said: “Now in it’s third year, it’s fair to say that the Footwear Industry Awards has established itself as a premium event, having won the support of major brands and the backing of the Independent Footwear Retailers Association, the British Footwear Association and the Society of Shoe Fitters. A fantastic evening, we look forward to seeing everyone again next year.”
Footwear Today Advertisement Manager Sue Wiseman said: “It was lovely to see everyone, so much fun – I’m already looking forward to next year!”
Cheryl Taylor, Editor, Footwear Today magazine said: “Retailers put so much effort into their window displays and so I was delighted to hand our brand new retailer award – National Shop Front of the Year – to Sandalwood, it was so well deserved.”
Men’s Footwear Brand of the Year
Winner: Loake
HC: Clarks
Ladies Footwear Brand of the Year
Winner: Rieker
HC: Paul Green
Children’s Footwear Brand of the Year
Winner: Clarks
HC: Garvalin
Comfort/Wellness Footwear Brand of the Year
Winner: Hush Puppies
HC: Skechers
Fashion Footwear Brand of the Year
Winner: Skechers
HC: Fly London
Sports Footwear Brand of the Year
Winner: Hi – Tec Sports
HC: Merrell
Outdoor Footwear Brand of the Year
Winner: Chatham
HC: Geox
Men’s Independent Retailer of the Year
Winner: The Golden Boot
HC: North Shoes
Ladies Independent Retailer of the Year
Winner: Doris & Daisy
HC: Robin Elt Shoes
Children’s Independent Retailer of the Year
Winner: Stampede
HC: Belle Enfants
Sports/Outdoor Independent Retailer of the Year
Winner: Peaklander
HC: Fox’s
Best Use of Technology/e-tailer of the Year
Winner: Gore-Tex
HC: Geox
New Independent Retailer of the Year
Winner: Soles with Heart
HC: Stomp
Multiple Retailer of the Year
Winner: Charles Clinkard
HC: Pavers
The Student Shoe Fitter of the Year
Winner: Emma Butler – Belle Enfants
Independent Family Footwear Retailer of the Year
Winner: Goody2Shoes
HC: William Mason Shoes
The Platinum Shoe Award
Winner: Matthew Wright – Pediped
Leader in Customer Service
Winner: Emma Butler – Belle Enfants
HC: Goody2Shoes
Shoe Care & Accessories Brand of the Year
Winner: Cherry Blossom
HC: Shoestring
Footwear Designer of the Year
Winner: Marsha Hall – Marsha Hall
HC: Emily Jupp – Milly J Shoes
Personality of the Year
Laura West – The Society of Shoe Fitters
Footwear Brand of the Year
Winner: Rieker
HC: Hi-Tec Sports
National Shop Front of the Year
Winner: Sandalwood