Start-Rite passionately supports independent retailers across the country and are proud to have our high-street presence maintained by them. We trust these independent retailers, such as ShuZu, to be our voice and represent our brand values from within their local communities. We are thrilled to be focusing the next installment of our ‘Retailer Spotlight’ series on the Hampshire store. We spoke to Managing Director of ShuZu, Nadia Arden-Scott, who co-founded the business.
ShuZu celebrated 20 years of its doors being open back in March at their store in Farnborough. The collections are passionately curated by Nadia, and she is not alone in industry experience within the company! Nadia tells us that coincidentally her husband’s Chris Scott family were shoe retailers and had several shops in and around the Woking area, and the extended family were based near Kettering, and also made shoes! In essence, ShuZu is rich in experience with a strong heritage of footwear expertise, which is why they are a valued retail partner to Start-Rite.
Nadia explained to us: “We have been selling Start-Rite since the beginning, so over 20 years now, and given the coincidences surrounding the family’s affinity with shoes in general, it made sense for the business to stock a trusted heritage brand like Start-Rite. The useful width fittings and whole and half sizes ensure the brand is perfectly suited to our mutual passion for proper shoe fittings and foot health!”
When asked which Start-Rite product was her favourite, Nadia said: “There are a few to choose from, but I would probably say Rhino Warrior and Rhino Sherman. They are great school shoes that offer four width fittings and can withstand the knocks and bumps of school life. Brogue and Impact are also great.”
In order for a quality shoe to fit as it should, providing the necessary protection for children’s feet, a fitting experience to match the quality of the shoe goes hand in hand. Therefore, it’s no surprise to learn from Nadia the depth of experience that the shop team possess at ShuZu. Both duty managers have seven years of experience, and they increase the team size to meet the demands of the busy summer period, employing returning school and university students who have experience in fitting footwear. One lady in the team has been with business since she was 16, and five years on, she manages the website and social media for the store after graduating from a marketing apprenticeship.
Beyond this, ShuZu is passionate about giving back where they can. Nadia explained that they work with a local school to get footwear to the children of families attending the school who need help the most, by passing on old stock. ShuZu also work directly with a Kenyan charity called ‘Educate the Kids’ and they take visits overseas to ensure secondhand shoes are properly fitted for the local children, as well as donating clothing.
Nadia was also thrilled to announce the launch of their new website, which caters for both child and adult feet.
Author: Vista, published 13-08-2024.
