CHILDREN’S SHOES

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29864, 3 July 1962, Page 15

CHILDREN’S SHOES

Improvement In Quality

“The quality of children’s footwear has improved in recent years, but many children are still wearing unsuitable shoes," says "Consumer,” journal of tfhe New Zealand Consumer Service, in its conclusions on a survey which included interviews with the mothers of 1645 children, most manufacturers of children’s footwear, retailers. imnor'ers. health authorities, and "he Shoe and Leather Re. seoroh Institute. "It is apparent that not enough shoes are made, offered for sale or even demanded by mothers in half sizes and narrow, medium, and wide fittings, necessary to ensure that children are well shod.” the journal says. Although it is likely that some of the lasts in use should be changed to conform more exactly to requirement's of New Zealand feet, many manufacturers have shown tiheir willingness and abilitv to make good shoes in the necessary Sizes anti fittings, the. article continues.

The reason most manufacturers do not supply the variety of sizes and fittings required is that they are not ordered by retailers. Most retailers complaiined that there was insufficient demand to warrant stocking a full range of sizes and fittings. The problem is accentuated, especially for smaller retailers, by the cost of mainhain■'ng a full range and the lack of stock service from wholesalers or manufacturers.

“It is unlikely that this situation will improve greatly until sufficient mothers take a greater interest in correct fitting and create a demand which retailers must eventually supply. In addition, mothers should continue to support those manufacturers and re'ta tiers who do offer a good service. Only in this wav will it be possible tor at least one retailer in every town to offer the service which your children need,” the journal says.