Following the success of 2018, Datateam Business Media – publisher of Footwear Today magazine – is delighted to announce that the Footwear Industry Awards 2019 will open for entries and nominations on Monday 3 September.
In the eight years since its inception, the scheme has secured its place as a key feature on the footwear trade’s calendar by providing an unrivalled platform for recognising the very best in the sector, from independent retailers to global footwear brands.
Winning can set a company apart from its competitors, raise its profile and stimulate market interest. What’s more, as the only awards scheme that allows professionals from across the sector to have their say, a Footwear Industry Award is a truly independent stamp of industry approval.
Treading new ground
The 2019 edition of the Awards marks the introduction of a brand new category; Accessories Brand of the Year. Open to any brand producing high end accessories – including, but not limited to, handbags and leather goods – that are sold in stores in the UK and/or Northern Ireland/Eire, this new category serves as a highly complementary extension to the existing awards.
Event manager Sue Wiseman says: “A great accessory is the perfect accompaniment to a marvellous pair of shoes. It’s only right that the Footwear Industry Awards extends the spotlight this year to include the premium accessories, that so many retailers in the sector stock to accent their footwear range.”
Returning ‘brand’ categories will recognise the foremost companies that provide men’s, ladies’, children’s, outdoor, comfort/wellness and fashion footwear, alongside the coveted ‘Footwear Brand of the Year’ and the newly independent ‘Shoecare Brand of the Year’.
On the other end of the spectrum, there are categories to honour the brilliance of retailers specialising in men’s, ladies’, children’s, outdoor, fashion and family footwear. In addition to this, the 2019 event will feature ‘New Independent Footwear of the Year’, ‘Multiple Footwear Retailer of the Year’, ‘Best Use of Technology/e-tailer of the Year’ and the always hotly-contested ‘Shop Front of the Year’ award.
At the heart of any industry, there are dedicated, passionate and creative individuals that are instrumental to its success – which is why the Footwear Industry Awards offers a range of ‘people’ awards, including ‘Leader in Customer Service’, ‘Footwear Designer of the Year’, ‘Personality of the Year’, ‘Student Shoe Fitter of the Year’ and the sought-after ‘Platinum Shoe Award’.
Save the date
Birmingham will be the place to be on Sunday 17 February 2019. MODA, the UK’s largest fashion trade event, will open its doors at the NEC Birmingham and following this, the Footwear Industry Awards winners will be revealed at a glittering awards ceremony just down the road at the National Conference Centre.
With the foremost retailers and leading brands all in attendance, the ceremony is a perfect opportunity for networking whilst celebrating the hard work and successes of the past twelve months.
Tickets are in limited supply, so those that wish to attend are encouraged to secure their seats using the secure online booking form available on the Footwear Industry Awards website.
Get involved with made-to-measure opportunities
The Footwear Industry Awards is supported by the British Footwear Association (BFA), Footwear Friends and The Society of Shoe Fitters (SSF).
As a well-established industry event, sponsoring the Awards is a unique way to project your brand to an audience of engaged and highly-targeted individuals, resulting in a cost-effective and impactful reach. For more information on the sponsorship opportunities available and how they can be tailored to suit you, contact Sue Wiseman on 01622 699185 or at swiseman@datateam.co.uk.
To find out more about The Footwear Industry Awards visit www.footwearindustryawards.co.uk.