Posted on by Hayley Paget
Family Business Robin Elt Shoes win Ladies’ Independent Retailer of the Year Award 2017
The top players in the footwear sector were recognised in a stunning awards ceremony at the National Conference Centre in Birmingham this week. Joining them were Robin and Jenny Elt who run Robin Elt Shoes independent stores found in Herefordshire, Shropshire, Worcestershire, Newport and Devonshire.
The 19th February marked the sixth anniversary of the annual awards programme, the Footwear Industry Awards. Organised by Datateam Business Media, the awards are designed to recognise the top footwear brands, retailers and individuals of the past 12 months. The British Footwear Association (BFA), the Independent Footwear Retailer’s Association (IFRA), Society of Shoe Fitters (SSF) and Footwear Today support the awards.
Family business, Robin Elt Shoes won Ladies’ Independent Footwear Retailer of the Year 2017. A Footwear Industry Award is an independent stamp of endorsement, which lets the whole industry know that that particular retailer is second to none. The 140 year-old family business were also highly commended in the categories of “Men’s Independent Retailer of the Year” and “Multiple Footwear Retailer of the Year”. This is the second year running that the footwear retailer has been recognised for awards.
The prestigious event concluded a dynamic first day of the Moda Fashion Exhibition. Guests enjoyed a glamourous cocktail reception, sponsored by Cherry Blossom, then proceeded into the ballroom for the first of the awards presentation. Guests then delighted in a sumptuous three course dinner accompanied by entertainment and the Footwear Industry Award retailer categories were announced. These awards are designed to recognise excellence in both independent and multiple footwear retailers.
Director, Robin Elt says, “Following our success as winner of Outdoor Retailer of 2016, I am ecstatic that we have been awarded Ladies Independent Retailer of the Year. We drive our business through our heritage but we also constantly strive to be innovative in both our brand selection and our technical benefits. Without our wonderful staff none of this would have been possible.”
Cheryl Taylor, editor of Footwear Today magazine, main sponsors of the event said, “A key function of the Footwear Industry Awards is to recognise independent footwear retailers and the fantastic job they do - from start ups all the way through to established businesses and multiples. To win a coveted Footwear Industry Award is a real quality mark for a footwear retailer, communicating to customers that they offer unrivalled products and service. Congratulations to Robin Elt Shoes, who are our Ladies’ Independent Footwear Retailer of the Year category 2017, for their fantastic achievement!”
Divisional manager Carl Hearnden added, "A highly coveted Footwear Industry Award is a real quality mark for retailers and brands alike, telling customers that they offer unrivalled products and service. Congratulations to all the highly commended and winners for 2017!"
Journal manager Sue Wiseman said, "We would like to thank all our sponsors, without whom we would not be able to run this awards programme to reward the hard work and innovation of the trade. I would also like to personally thank everyone who engaged with the awards and came along last night. The Footwear Industry Awards are run for the industry, by the industry, and we appreciate all the support shown."
The Ladies Independent Retailer of the Year Award was presented by Peter Youell of Skechers UK & Ireland, headline sponsors of the Footwear Industry Awards. Robin Elt’s daughter, Jenny, picked up the award on Sunday night. The awards ceremony was hosted by guest presenter Ryan Philpott.
Photograph Shows: Ryan Philpott, Award Ceremony Host | Jenny Elt, Robin Elt Shoes | Peter Youell, Skechers UK & Ireland
