Start-rite
Start-rite is a brand of children's shoes. The shoemaker, purportedly Britain's oldest and one of the first manufacturers in Norfolk,[1] was established in 1792 in Norwich, England, by James Smith.[2][3] His grandson, James Southall, gave the firm its current name; it rose in prominence during the 20th century thanks in part to an iconic poster, reading Children's shoes have far to go,[2] which was displayed on the London Underground for 20 years from 1947.[4] Controversy exists around the origins of the image in this poster. It has been attributed to artists Andy Wood,[5] William Grimmond, Joe Wilkinson of Stanley Studios, Susan Pearce, and to the company's own advertising agent.[2]
In 2003 the company ceased production in the UK, outsourcing its operations to India.[1] The cost-cutting move came amid a £600,000 annual loss, which the company reversed the following year to turn a £1.5 million profit. Sales further increased by 20% to 2007.[6]
The company focuses on correctly fitting shoes to children's feet, and was the first to introduce variable width fittings for children's shoes.[2][6] It once maintained concession stores in the now-defunct children's clothing retailer Adams.[7]
In 2012, the company licensed its name to Teemo Designs Ltd who have created a range of children's furniture under the Start-rite Furniture brand.
References
- 1 2 "SStart-rite ends UK production". BBC. 25 September 2003. Retrieved 23 September 2009.
- 1 2 3 4 Barrow, Becky (14 July 2003). "Start-Rite toddles off to India to cut costs". Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 23 September 2009.
- ↑ "About us" page on the company's website
- ↑ Windsor, John (8 August 1992). "In the footsteps of the Start-rite twins". The Independent. Retrieved 23 September 2009.
- ↑ Start-rite logo
- 1 2 Jackson, Laura (27 May 2007). "The Rite stuff". Drapers magazine. Retrieved 23 September 2009.
- ↑ "UK: Adams Steps Into Start-Rite Children’s Shoe Business". Just Style. 21 February 2001.