Shoe shop has to step up

A SHOE shop in Town is already capitalising on the forthcoming closure of Gabriel’s. Fit Footwear opened a store in Mill Street on 13 August but has already outgrown those premises and moved to a larger outlet up the hill at 13, Mansell Street.

Owner Audrey Laurens-Chalmers said the shop, which specialises in shoes that improve posture, had taken off brilliantly and was now widening its range to include children’s school and casual footwear.

‘We had a lot of parents asking if we did children’s shoes, especially for school.

‘We bought in a few brands but they sold out straight away. With Gabriel’s closing, it’s something that parents have been looking for.’

Mrs Laurens-Chalmers has family in Guernsey but lives in Jersey. She opened her first store there five years ago, selling MBT and Earth shoes and sandals.

She agreed with fellow Old Quarter shop owners that business was starting to thrive in their area of Town.

‘It’s been very successful and we’ve had a fantastic few months. I was never expecting to be quite so busy.

‘We have seen a big difference since we opened, but we still need a bit of support. Since we are prepared to take the risk, we could do with the States doing their part and tidying the area up.’