Holts steps into online retail

HOLTS Shoes, the company which has been helping Lancashire ladies step out for more than 65 years, is set to expand nationally online.

The Burnley-based family run company, launched by Alec Holt in the 1940s, says it wants to build on the success of its shops in Lytham St Annes and at Boundary Mill, in Colne.

The company believes the site will enable it to extend both its national customer base and its product offering, while still providing the wide selection of hand-crafted Italian ranges on which Holts has built its reputation.

Holts director Edward Holt said: “When my grandfather established the business in the 1940s, he wanted to stock the kind of shoes that would stand the test of time in terms of both quality and design.
 
“We continue to stock beautiful shoes from the same Italian suppliers that he originally worked with and will continue to put that emphasis on quality at the heart of our business – but we also need to ensure that we answer current market trends, which is why we are investing in expanding our business online, with the help of Haworths.”

Holts’ first move into the world of online retail came four years ago when the company started selling shoes via Amazon. The change coincided with a decision to work with a new accountancy practice and Holts’ relationship with Haworths has grown ever since.

The expansion is taking place thanks to a funding boost arranged by Accrington-based Haworths Chartered Accountants.

Holt added: “Thanks to the cash injection that we have secured with Haworths’ help, we have been able to invest in our stock holding in order to launch an online store.
 
“It means we can also develop the areas of our business that have proved to be our core strength over the years, offering our customers shoes that are distinctive and traditionally made with care.
 
“We’re now in discussions with a new supplier in Italy so, going forward, our customers will be able to visit us online for anything from a pair of slippers for under £10 to a stylish pair of £250 Italian boots.”