Monday, January 31, 2011

Frye, Steve Madden and Stuart Weitzman, oh my!

So, one of the first things that most women ask me once they find out I am opening a shoe store is "What brands are you carrying?".  I have been hesitant to say too much too early on, partly because with some of the brands you must go through an approval process, and I didn't want to say that I was carrying a brand until I was certain I was approved, and partly because I do like to keep some element of surprise for the opening.  That being said, I've decided to share a few brands with you now. 

One of my favorites that we're bringing into the store are Frye boots.  http://www.thefryecompany.com/  These boots are beyond gorgeous! Founded in 1863 by John A. Frye, The Frye Company is the oldest continuously operated shoe company in the United States. Frye boots are benchcrafted from the finest full grain leather uppers with genuine leather and premium rubber soles. It takes over 190 steps to make one pair of Frye boots!  These boots will last you your lifetime! I have had a pair of the campus boots for over 5 years now, and the older they get, the better they look!
Frye "Veronica Slouch"

Steve Madden is one of those brands that you can always count on having that fantastic, fun shoe. http://www.stevemadden.com/.   In 1990 Madden started crafting shoe designs from his Queens-based factory and the Steve Madden brand was born. His vision to give young, fashion forward women a unique way to express their individuality through style resulted in millions of customers worldwide and propelled his designs to the forefront of the fashion industry.  You can always count on Steve Madden to deliver that fun shoe for a great price.

Steve Madden "Rushh"

A Stuart Weitzman shoe is truly a beautiful and luxurious thing!  http://www.stuartweitzman.com/  The brand was founded in 1986 and headed by designer, Stuart Weitzman and are manufactured in Spain.  Made from exotic and often unexpected materials, in constructions that routinely push the boundaries of traditional footwear.  Across the sheer range of styles, there is an attention to detail and craft that reveals the touch of a master shoemaker. Stuart Weitzman shoes are often worn by celebrities, even on the red carpet! We are so excited to carry this brand.  

Stuart Weitzman "Alex" Wedge

So, these are just three of then many brands that we will be carrying at The Urban Shoe Myth.  Over the next few weeks, I'll introduce some of the other brands to you. 

Bye for now!

Shelley


Sunday, January 23, 2011

Opening Soon!

43 days and counting!  Yes, thats right people - opening day is slated for March 7th!  This date is pending construction going well, which it has for us thus far.  The boys have been working hard on the store for us, and it is coming along well!  The drywall is going up this week and the electrical is completed.  I am meeting with the girls from Design 4 Space (who have designed a wicked look for the store) on Monday to go over the color scheme so we can start painting next week! 

Things are happening fast now, and I started to panic a bit when I counted only 43 days to go.  So  much to do!  February is going to be a busy month for us, between getting the store ready, receiving inventory and then entering into the point of sales system and going to Toronto the last weekend to do my buying for Fall 2011.  Yes, in the retail world you have to order your stock about 6 months in advance!

As you can see we now have our logo to post (thanks to the girls at Revolution Strategy), and you can now follow us on Facebook and Twitter!


43 days to go......

Shelley

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

From steel toes to stilettos

Ok, first off, I have never blogged before, nor am I much of a writer.  But after a few people mentioning to me that I should have a blog to chronicle my journey into becoming a store owner, I've decided to give it a try.  So, my name is Shelley and I am opening up an awesome shoe store in Saint John, New Brunswick this March!  As the title of my blog states, I am moving from a career in construction for the last 12 years into a career as a shop owner. 

The Urban Shoe Myth is the name of the store, and yes, I got the idea for the name from that scene in Sex and the City where Carrie gets to peruse the Vogue accessories closet.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KXSlUAS2MNw

I am a lover of shoes, and have always had the itch for business.  My hubby and I decided that I should marry these two things and try our hands at the shoe store business.  Its something I have always dreamed of doing, and now I am actually getting to do it!  It still seems a bit surreal to me.

Back in November I spent three days in Toronto and Montreal "shopping" for shoes to bring to you guys, and let me tell you there is some awesome stuff!  I was like a kid in a candy store!  I had a hard time to narrow things down - I wanted it all!  The trip was a whirlwind, and an experience.  Bsides getting up at 4am to catch my flight, having my GPS crap out on me on my way to the first appointment in the middle of Montreal morning traffic, and going for 12 hours without eating more than a stale muffin and a coffee, the trip was a success.  I can't wait to show you all the great stuff!

Now things are quite hectic.  It's crunch time.  I almost feel like I'm working at my old job again, with all the construction activities happening at the store.  If you are uptown Saint John, keep a watch out at 78 King Street - our store location.

So, this is my blog, and I'll keep you guys posted with what is happening leading up to our early March opening.

Sincerely,
Shelley