Here you will find sources of information such as market research (statistics, trends, developments), key companies, trade magazines, newsletters, and internet sources.
This guide will be useful to anyone starting a business within the footwear industry and also for those wanting to further their knowledge within this area.
Start-Up Information
The Cobra database contains practical fact-sheets on all aspects of starting, running and managing a small business – including information on writing business plans, marketing, company structures etc.
It also covers the practical aspects of how to start and run particular types of businesses – outlining necessary skills, regulations, licences and legislation etc. and highlights other sources of information and advice available.
Business Opportunity Profiles (BOP)
| Shoe Shop | BOP218 |
Mini BOP
| Designer Shoe Shop | MBP404 |
| Outsize Clothing Shop | MBP236 |
| Shoe Repair Service | MBP325 |
UK Market Synopsis
| Clothing and Accessories Retail | SYN041 |
Sector Update
| Fashion Retail | SEC021 |
Sources of Business Information (SOU)
| British Footwear Association | SOU993 |
Market Research & Statistics
If you are planning on starting a business you will need to be aware of the latest trends, developments and opportunities within your industry which can all be found from market research.
Market research also covers market size and forecasts, consumer demographics and attitudes, the key players and products and will often include SWOT and PEST analysis showing areas of strength, weakness, opportunities etc.
- Footwear Retailing in the United Kingdom: Market Snapshot to 2023 (GlobalData Indu Snapshot)
- Footwear Market in United Kingdom
- Clothing & Footwear Wholesaling in the UK – G46.420
- Footwear & Leather Goods Repair in the UK – S95.230
- Footwear Manufacturing in the UK – C15.200
- Footwear Retailers in the UK – G47.721
- Footwear Retailing – UK
- The Affluent Consumer – UK
- Footwear Retailing: Inc Impact of COVID-19 – UK
- Apparel and Footwear in the United Kingdom
- Apparel E-Tailing Innovation Series: The Pursuit of a Perfect Fit Online, Part 4 Footwear
- Designer Apparel and Footwear (Ready to Wear) in the United Kingdom
- Footwear in the United Kingdom
Local Data Online
Provides a birds-eye view of the makeup and complexity of the retail and leisure offering in a chosen location.
Review key trends over time:
- Vacancy rates
- Occupancy trends
- Retail mix
Understand demand profiles through demographic data such as:
- Employment statistics
- Average weekly earnings
- Crime rates
- Unemployment
- House prices
Also, contact details and individual reports of companies in the digital communications industry are available from our electronic sources: Market IQ.
Business News & Journals
In order to find the latest news on your topic it is always worth searching NewsBank and EMIS.
You will find articles from specialist business and academic journals, as well as newspapers and magazines. You may also find market research reports and case studies. As well as profiles of leading industry figures.
You will also find articles covering recent developments, and predicting future trends in your industry.
Internet Sources
Websites containing free sources of industry statistics, information and contacts.
British Footwear Association
Part of the site is available to non-members and includes information about hard to find footwear. A guide to consumer rights and a directory of suppliers/designers. There is also a Knowledge Area which provides answers to frequently answered questions and gives some marketing statistics.
Children’s Foot Health Register
Companies which become members are committed to the highest standard of shoe fitting for young growing feet. The site provides a list of members searchable by area. There is also information about the way in which children’s feet develop.
SATRA Technology
This website contains technical articles, industry reports, news items and information about SATRA products and services, courses and publications.
Please note that every effort has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information, however some recently acquired items may since have been added to the collection. Please ask for help at the enquiry desk.
Images by geishaboy500, jronaldlee, sling@flickr under a Creative Commons license