Hotter bucks retail’s woes as store roll-out continues

PRIVATE equity-backed shoe manufacturer and retailer Hotter Comfort Concept has announced plans to open a further 15 stores next year.

The Skelmersdale-based company, owned by the Manchester office of Gresham Private Equity, currently has 38 shops across the country. By the end of this year a further six will have been opened, including Shrewsbury and Inverness next month.

So far in 2012 the business, which tends to cater for an older demographic, has opened 13 new shops.

Retail director John Nicholas said: “2013 will be another busy year for our retail team as we’ve already identified a further 15 locations for stores.

“We have developed a winning formula of wonderfully stylish comfort products combined with a high level of service which we find brings customers back to us time after time.

“Our team members are hand-picked to ensure they are friendly, helpful, passionate and knowledgeable about our products. Each store offers a personalised fitting service to ensure customers find their perfect fit every time.”