Stevens Footwear
The History
Stevens Footwear started in 1963, when the neighbour leant over the fence and asked his young neighbour Richard Stevens, if he would like to do an apprenticeship as a Shoe Cobbler. After deciding that this sounded better than school, he started with Harrisons in Wanganui before being offered an opportunity in Marton with Griffins where he finished his apprenticeship. A few years later, he brought the business, got married and relocated into High Street, in the main area of Marton. There he plied his trade, and expanded into also selling footwear.
In 1973 Stevens Footwear outgrew these premises and, so Richard bought the bookstore on the main street, Broadway, converted it into a shoe store and went into retail, although he still repaired footwear as well. A couple of children arrived during this time, and in 1977, Richard decided he wanted a new challenge. He sold the retail store and moved home into the garage where he continued to repair footwear and also started making shoes, teaching himself as he went along.
In 1973 Stevens Footwear outgrew these premises and, so Richard bought the bookstore on the main street, Broadway, converted it into a shoe store and went into retail, although he still repaired footwear as well. A couple of children arrived during this time, and in 1977, Richard decided he wanted a new challenge. He sold the retail store and moved home into the garage where he continued to repair footwear and also started making shoes, teaching himself as he went along.
In 1980, Richard bought the building which is still the heart and soul of the business in 1980; a former dance studio with beautiful wooden sprung floors. He then set about buying more machinery to make different types of footwear and continued to teach himself as he went along luckily, he was also mechanically minded, as much of the machinery didn't work when purchased! It was a family affair, with his wife, Sally, helping in the factory until the business grew big enough to begin employing staff. The building also increased in size with an extension being built on to house all the sewing machines required to make the different styles of footwear.
Sally also went out on the road as the sales rep and continued to do this for several years. In 1984, she decided that she would like to get into retail and opened a shoe shop at the front of the factory called Stevens Footwear. Four years later, she decided to move into Broadway, renamed the business Shoe Talk and remained there until 1995, when she closed the shop. Richard and Sally had many loyal staff over the years and in 1994 Matthew Belk started and still continues to work for the business today. In 2012 Wendy Wright joined
Stevens Footwear had grown out of a garage into a successful manufacturing business. However, global trading conditions were changing and tarrifs on importing footwear were reducing. So, Richard and Sally again changed with the times and started to import footwear in 2004. After several trips overseas, they found the Propet brand and their first container arrived in July 2005. They then set about marketing this brand with Sally doing all the promotional material and Richard moving from making footwear into distributing footwear. This change indirection also resulted in another extension being built, and much of the manufacturing equipment being sold.
With nearly 40 years of experience, Richard has a unique, entirely self- taught knowledge about footwear, and stil has a drive to learn more. Now, the
business has expanded into working with hospitals and orthotists to
source footwear for people with major foot issues. Sally is still involved in the business doing the account work and communicating with overseas suppliers.
source footwear for people with major foot issues. Sally is still involved in the business doing the account work and communicating with overseas suppliers.
Warehouse Extension August 2012
Today the business continues to grow and an another warehouse extension is currently under construction. Stevens Footwear still retains links to its beginnings, though, with some footwear still being manufactured - and even the odd repair still being done if you happen to be family!
Richard Stevens is a member of NZ Orthotics and Prosthetics Association
