Author

wjfrenchandson

06/12/2024

Small Business Saturday 7/12/24

Independent shops bring variety and expertise to the high street where owners and employees are passionate and knowledgeable about what they do and the products they sell. We employ local people which helps create vibrant local communities and a healthy local economy.  We also give back to the local community through donations, sponsorships and organising local events.   In a time where the High Street has many chain stores, independents bring much needed originality and variety to the area.  W J French & Son is one of the oldest family shoe retailers... Read More

15/11/2024
, , ,

WJF Christmas Gift Guide

Take a look at 5 Gift Ideas that we offer alongside shoes at W.J.French & Son this Christmas: Gift Idea 1: ROKA London Bags We love ROKA London’s bags as they are made of recycled materials, water resistant and super versatile all while being absolutely gorgeous! They are the perfect gift as they are not only practical but we also offer a wide range of styles and colours to suit your needs. Gift Idea 2: Swole Panda Bamboo socks + Gift Box We offer Swole Panda socks in the Ladies,... Read More

18/10/2024

Autumn/Winter Remonte

This Autumn, we’re excited to be stocking Remonte for the first time. Remonte collaborate fashion and comfort through their modern, seasonal staples at a brilliant price point. Their shoes have removable insoles, allowing space for orthotics if needed, without compromising on design. This brand is a footwear staple across many European households. If you prefer to wear a shoe over a boot this Autumn, Remonte offer a platform, black leather shoe that can be dressed up or down. This Agamas style comes in sizes 38 to 43, has a removable insole and side... Read More

08/10/2024
, ,

The Benefits of Sheepskin Lining

Featuring Emu Australia and Birkenstock Do you suffer from cold toes? Poor circulation? Sounds like you should own a pair of sheepskin lined boots or slippers! Why Sheepskin lining? Emu Australia Emu Australia show us how amazing sheepskin can be in boots and slippers with their quality, sustainability and innovation with natural materials. All Australian made, we stock a range of Emu’s styles from casual slippers to waterproof boots – all of which are sheepskin lined. Emu pride themselves on nature, simplicity, comfort and the timelessness of their products. This... Read More

04/10/2024

New in Brand – Fly London

New in for this Autumn season we have introduced Fly London boots. This innovative, sustainable and stylish brand is made in Portugal using premium leathers and rubbers.  Fly London is known for it’s distinctive, innovative sole unit. This provides well loved comfort without compromising style, stability or durability. All of their boots have lovely soft leathers as well as comfy innersoles and a durable rubber sole unit. Fly boots are known for their comfort, style and versatility. They have a unique design that is durable, and perfect for this Autumn... Read More

20/09/2024
,

New in Ladies and Mens Autumn Casual boots

Casual Boots are practical, yet stylish and can be your trusted shoe of choice this Autumn and Winter. We are showcasing some of our favourite ankle boots from brands such as Tamaris, Legero, Remonte, Birkenstock, Fly, Blundstone, Meindl, Ecco and Anatomic. We have more formal boots as well as waterproof options which you can find on our website or in our upcoming newsletters.

26/04/2024

Discover our top women’s white shoes – Best sellers

Effortlessly elevate your look with a pair of white trainer shoes. Their crisp clean appearance adds an instant touch of elegance to any outfit, they complement various colour palettes making them versatile staples in any wardrobe. BIRKENSTOCK Bend offers legendary Birkenstock comfort with their original supportive footbed and high quality soft leather uppers. FitFlop Rally is a comfortable walking shoe with soft leather uppers. The shoe has a cushioned textile lining with a removable textile inner-sole as well as a durable man-made outer-sole.  We are offering 10% off all FitFlop shoes and... Read More

19/02/2024

New in – Start-Rite Shoes for Spring

At W J French & Son, we have been selling Start-Rite shoes for 114 years! There are lots of similarities between our brands: both family-run businesses, both in business for over 200 years, both committed to quality fitted footwear and protecting foot health. We are both proud of our partnership, so we were thrilled to be invited to be interviewed for the first in their upcoming Retailer Spotlight blog series. Start-Rite interviewed our Managing Director, Caroline French about the history of the business and our premises, trends in children’s footwear... Read More

09/10/2023

220 Years of W.J. French & Son

1803 – 2023 The History of W.J. French & Son by Caroline French This year our business is 220 years old.  We are one of the oldest independent shoe shops in country that has been passed down directly through the family and I believe the oldest independent retailer in Southampton. Here is a brief canter through the family tree to show you how we have evolved. Francis French Our history is based upon the experiments and very hard labours of our ancestors. Francis French was born in 1779, became an... Read More

07/07/2023

Organising a local community festival

The traders of Bedford Place have been busy organising a not-for-profit summer festival which took place on 2nd July this year, with the aim of creating a fun day for the community and promote all the amazing businesses in our area.