I introduced Stephen Gill a couple days ago. Stephen is going to be providing insight on the UK market on an ongoing basis here on Shoebizness which I personally am very excited about! If you ever have any questions that you would like to see him answer, please email me at julia@shoebizness.com and I will ask him ever so nicely to share.

For this posting Stephen is giving us a perspective on the current retail landscape and their economic challenges. Seems we have a lot in common with our British friends. Hopefully, we can learn from each other!

Retail Landscape-Big changes, the value market is being more and more dominated by retailers such as Shoezone and the super markets share is continuing to grow. Polarization of the middle market with retailers like Barratts closing approximately 200 stores. The higher branded market is in a state of flux following a  shrewd asset purchase from the Shoe Studio Group administration by Dune.

Economic Challenges-The continued weakness of the pound against the dollar and euro is making it continually difficult for wholesalers, retailers and brands to make their desired margins on imported product. You can only get so much from the factories! Credit insurance cover on wholesale debt is proving virtually impossible to get as is the support from the banks according to very key industry people I’ve met recently.

You can visit Stephen’s website at www.footwearpartnerships.com or email him at stephen@footwearpartnerships.com.