MEET SPENCER’S FRIENDS
Wirral Life talk to Cerys Millington, founder of Spencer’s friends;
the children’s mobile shoe fitting service.
Tell us about the Spencer’s Friends brand and how you came
about the idea of a children’s mobile shoe fitting service?
The idea came about because of regular disappointment at the
level of service and selection offered when it comes to buying
children’s shoes. I really hate bad customer service in any
industry, especially when it comes to my son’s well-being. The
whole ‘self-service’ culture seen in many stores now is a real
worry, people don’t understand the whole measuring process
is not black and white. A size in one particular brand will
more often than not be different in another brand. Spencer’s
Friends hopes to transform the whole buying process which
can sometimes be a stressful experience and bring it to the
home environment where the whole process is simplified.
This has become particularly important with parents and
carers of Autistic children. I recently spent time with experts
in this field, taking their advice and guidance which I hope
will help towards making my service very ‘Autistic Friendly’
wherever possible.
Why do you think it has been received so well?
Total convenience in a nutshell! You no longer have to
sacrifice a huge amount of time to go shoe shopping. I can
visit the home at a suitable time to fit in with the customer
and the collection can be viewed online prior to making
an appointment. Customers can also be reassured of the
fact I hold the only professionally recognised shoe fitting
qualification in the UK issued by the Society of Shoe Fitters.
This qualification reflects training which can be applied to all
brands of shoes not just one or two which is the case in most
stores. I also have access to orthopaedic advice if needed.
How did you decide on the brands you now stock?
I researched the industry for over three years before starting
Spencer’s Friends. I visited several trade shows and talked
to established independent shoe shop owners which was
invaluable. The 3 brands (Geox, Primigi and Pediped) I
selected were established and trusted brands which I had
previously purchased myself so I was aware of the quality. The
Autumn Winter 17 collection is available now and I am in
the process of ordering my Spring Summer 2018 collections
which are looking amazing and I hope to have these available
by March next year.
What is the future for Spencer’s Friends?
I want to continue to create relationships with the families and
children from their early years well into their teens – I want
to end up seeing them more than they see their dentist each
year! I would also like to possibly develop Spencer’s Friends
into a lifestyle brand which is recognisable and synonymous
with quality, excitement and one to trust. Who knows, maybe
develop the brand internationally.
Visit www.spencersfriends.com for more information.
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