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| That Personal Touch with Jones Bootmaker |
Jones Bootmaker
The fitting of all children's shoes is important. Many Jones Bootmakers stores now offer an appointment system where you can book an agreed time slot to have your child's shoes professionally fitted. This system ensures your child gets our full attention and saves time, tears and tantrums from tired children and parent's unhappy waiting around for their shoes to be fitted. This system is especially useful in the busy back to school period.
However, we know that children don't spend all their time in school so Jones Bootmaker has designed a range of our own branded footwear. For playtime and parties both parents and children want a more fashion focused product and we have a wide range of boots for autumn/winter, sandals for spring/summer and shoe ranges for all year round. Using only high quality products i.e. leather uppers, all ages are catered for and are designed to satisfy the most fashion conscious child and parent without compromising on the fit.Who is Jones Bootmaker?
Jones is the story of a family business, which began in 1857 when Alfred Jones and his wife Emma opened their first footwear shop in London's Bayswater. Conditions were much harder than today with opening hours from 8am to 8pm, except on Saturday when the shop was open until midnight.
A progressive businessman, Alfred Jones was one of the first traders to install electric lighting in his shop. This event caused crowds to flock to his Bayswater shop to see the new miracle. Mounted police had to be called to dispel the throng!
Over the years, nine of Alfred's sons were apprenticed to the shoe trade, each eventually opening a shop of their own and all trading under the name of A.Jones & Sons. Jones led the retailing field by introducing stocks of ready-made shoes in 3 different widths and in doing so, started a tradition in shoe fitting.
In 1911, the company acquired a modest factory in Northampton. At first little more than a hand-sewing workshop, the factory was developed over the years to the point where it was producing shoes for the whole company.
Following the Second World War expansion continued with the opening of a large warehouse in Eastbourne, the acquisition of new shops and the modernisation of existing branches. By 1955 the number of shops had outgrown the factories production capacity and the company joined Church & Co - the world famous Northampton shoe manufacturers.
In every way this was an ideal marriage, two family business's one with manufacturing expertise the other with retailing skills, coming together for their mutual benefit. As a member of the Church Group the company had a springboard for further growth.
Jones Bootmaker shops are the latest chapter in Jones distinguished history. In 1994 the first new generation ´CityBootmaker´ shop was opened in Kings Street, Manchester. The winning formula has continued throughout the years with stores opening in Bluewater, Trafford Park and in Touchwood, Solihull.
Prada acquired the Church group and a consortium consisting of Peter Phillips, Ken Bartle and Lance Clark subsequently purchased Jones. It is the new owner´s intention, to develop the Jones Bootmaker brand which, caters for´Young Professionals´. This has great appeal to the mid to high grade market and the new owners will build upon this strength.
StartRite Shoes For GirlsHustle (available in black leather) is a funky, eye-catching style for girls. The lightly padded throat and collar provide a comfortable and supportive fit. Featuring a vibrant pink lining, tiny pink hearts on the bar strap and stylish stitching detail across the front.
Go-Getter (available in black leather) is a more traditional style. A light purple lining and matching purple flower stitching on the front, makes this a lovely shoes for girls who like the homemaker look.
Prancer (available in atlantic or black leather) is another new style. Featuring a hook and loop fasteners, this traditional style shoe has been modernised with a thicker sole and heel to reflect the high street fashion this season.
StartRite Shoes For BoysRock (available in brown or black leather) features a bright lining and is both a fashionable and practical option for school. Its rugged profile and double hook and loop fastening make it just the thing for active boys in the playground this autumn.
Missile (available in brown, black or navy leather) is a sporty style for boys this term. Vibrant red lining and red rubber detail on the hook and loop fastener gives the shoe an eye-catching quality.
Challenger (available in brown or black leather), features two hook and loop fasteners and has a trainer feel about it, so boys' can enjoy a kick about once school has finished.
All leather footwear has the added benefit of being dyed-through, so scuffs and scrapes are easier to care for. Start-rite shoes come in whole and half sizes and a choice of width fittings to help ensure the best fit.
Available in shops from June, the autumn/winter 2007 collection is complemented by an extensive selection of vibrant, stylish and fun party shoes, wellies and slippers. Boots and wellies will be in-store from early September. For advice on children's foot care and footwear needs or stockist details visit www.startriteshoes.com. View Start-rite's complete autumn/winter 2007 collection on the website too from early June 2007
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