autumn / winter 2024
Sarah Taylor owner of shoes at last…
“after opening a men’s and women’s footwear store in 2003. Move forward to 2024, we are selling 90% women’s clothing, footwear has become very casual and not as important as it use to be, therefore, you must diversify to stay up-to-date and survive in todays forever changing climate”.
the art of retailing: know your customer, know your product and have a good sense of humour!
Sarah Taylor began her retail career more than 40 years ago with a leading fashion company specializing in clothes for tall women. She was promoted to London store manager and enjoyed a fun, exciting and extremely successful start to her impressive career. Sarah and her team had both an expert eye for the products they sold and a great relationship with their customers, ‘all being on average 6ft tall’. After smashing sales targets, Sarah moved to a brand new role in the 1990s. As stores coordinator she oversaw 29 shops around the UK – and opened 22 of them. Sarah’s next big step was into marketing where she organised catalogues, ran photo shoots and worked on the website.
This depth of professional knowledge and experience in fashion retail gave Sarah the confidence to start her own business.
_______________________
shoes at last was launched in 2003 and as the name suggests, fabulous footwear was the main focus. Then the seriously stylish range of clothing really took off, too. Now customers can dress from head to toe in beautifully made clothing and shoes from the UK, Europe, New Zealand and the US. The homely and relaxed shop is well worth a visit for anyone who enjoys great value for money and a laid back atmosphere.
Shop for autumn /winter 24
Clothing: Cream Clothing, Foil Clothing, Blueberry, See Saw, Mama b, coco Y club, soyaconcept, cara in the sky and Red Button
Footwear: from Italy: NeroGardini
Accessories Jewellery: Ingrid Rossi London / greeting cards: Proud London
Surbiton buzz…
shoes at last is at the heart of the fantastic local community in leafy Maple Road. The popular Surbiton street is home to independent businesses including hairdressers, a beauty room, dentist, bars and restaurants. In 2009 Sarah and a great bunch of other volunteers founded the award-winning Surbiton Farmers’ Market. This takes place along Maple Road on the 3rd Saturday of the month and raises money for local charities. The Good Life newspaper, started by editor Tim Harrison in 2011, covers all the news and views from this vibrant, friendly and supportive place.
shoes at last Ltd: Company No 4610265