Latest Ruralco News

 

The latest Ruralco news bringing together New Zealand agriculture updates, farming insights, industry reports and seasonal advice. Stay informed on developments across the rural sector, with articles relevant to farmers, growers, and rural communities.

A passion for fashion: The Shoe Shop & Stompz

01 May, 2024 | Card, Meet the Merchant | Return|

Nathan and Karen Smith own two shoe shop and apparel stores in Timaru, The Shoe Shop and Stompz. As a teenager, Nathan worked in his parents’ shoe shop that they had owned since he was 4 years old. Nathan and Karen bought the original store Cobbler’s Inn in 2001, and subsequently started J-Walk and Stompz from there. Cobbler's Inn and J-Walk have recently amalgamated into The Shoe Shop. All stores partner with Ruralco and they actively promote this on a regular basis.

Nathan says “I love working in this industry as the fashion side of things is great – nothing stays the same, it’s always changing and keeping us on our toes. I love helping people with their foot health, those who have issues with their feet and trying to find a solution for their footwear needs.”

Karen has developed their sister store Stompz into a fashion destination store right in the heart of Timaru. She added clothing last year and the store is loved by locals and visitors alike, who seek out a locally owned and operated fashion boutique.

"Because we're a little independent store, we have different stuff to the chain stores. We've got quite a good following from both locals and visitors to the area.” she says.

Related

Not any article




Account Selector