Further accoldade for family-owned shoe retailer.
The Kings Heath based children’s footwear specialist, Cooshoo, has been awarded Best Footwear Store Category at the prestigious CWB Independent Retail Awards in December 2016. Hosted by leading industry trade title CWB magazine, which is dedicated exclusively to the childrenswear industry, the national competition celebrates performance, innovation and excellence in the children’s retail sector.
Two and a half years after setting up shop in Kings Heath Business Improvement District, the award marks the second national accolade for the family-run business, having secured the National Footwear Industry Award for Best Shop Front in February 2015.
The boutique, which was judged on everything from customer service through to visual merchandising, specialises in fitted children’s footwear, including Back to School shoes. Cooshoo beat off tough competition from several recognised retailers across the country to gain the title of Best Footwear Store, receiving praise from judges for their wide selection of footwear brands suitable for developing feet, as well as their outstanding fitting service and strong digital presence.
Commenting on the win, Laura Turner, CWB editor and judge of the CWB Independent Retail Awards 2016, says, “Cooshoo offers a great choice of children’s footwear styles coupled with an outstanding fitting service. The retailer also demonstrates a strong marketing strategy, utilising Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to promote new and seasonal products as well as engaging with relevant bloggers. A Cooshoo app is also available, with product, service information and a loyalty scheme, while the website is set to be further enhanced by transferring the business’ in-store fitting expertise to the web and producing videos to answer FAQs.”
Director of Cooshoo, Anna Swift, says: “At Cooshoo we have two passions keeping children’s feet healthy and comfy and well designed cool footwear. We strive to provide exceptional service to all our customers through our expert fitting service, family friendly store and wide range of styles to suit lots of different foot shapes and tastes! It is fabulous to be recognised nationally for this by winning the Best Children’s Footwear Award!”
Situated on York Road in the heart of the Birmingham suburb, the children’s shoe shop is the perfect fit for quirky Kings Heath, well known for it’s dedicated and friendly service, creative and colourful interior, and keen involvement in community activities, such as the annual Great Easter Egg Hunt and Almighty Blighty campaign previously this year.
With a reputation across the city for its thriving retail scene, Cooshoo is just one of many successful independents that call Kings Heath home, boasting almost 300 successful businesses, retail stores, and eateries within the BID area.
Martin Mullaney, Kings Heath BID Manager said: “Here in Kings Heath we’re proud to have a wide variety of fantastic independents and chains for our residents and visitors to enjoy. Cooshoo is a much-loved and well-established business in the area, and we’re so pleased that they have been recognised once again for the outstanding services they offer. Congratulations to Anna and the team – a well deserved award!”