The Importance of Supporting Local Charities – an Interview with Harry Fletcher.

by ecco on May 24, 2013

Managing Directors Harry and Hilary Fletcher opened the first ECCO franchise in the UK and have been selling ECCO shoes for over 25 years in the heart of Oxford. I recently met with Harry to discuss the charity event ‘Oxford Gives’ run by The Funding Network at The Old Fire Station.

The following charities were present;

  • Aspire

Aspire’s goal is to find full time employment for homeless people, offenders, addicts and those with mental health issues. Members of Aspire are given work placements in a variety of professions such as grounds maintenance and furniture repair, in order to teach them the necessary skills for employment as well as work experience.

http://www.aspireoxford.co.uk/holding-page/

  • My Life My Choice

My Life My Choice empowers and supports people with learning disabilities. ‘Running Hate Crime out of Town’ campaign will work with champions and trainees to raise awareness and defeat learning disability hate crime.

http://mylifemychoice.org.uk/

  • COIN

Moving Voices highlights testimonies from the millions who are displaced by climate change. Using these, COIN will raise the debate and campaign for polices to protect them.

http://www.climateoutreach.org.uk/

  • Arts at the Old Fire Station

Arts at the Old Fire Station supports homeless people in a public arts centre, building confidence and transferable skills.

http://www.oldfirestation.org.uk/how-we-work-with-crisis-skylight/

1.       So what exactly did the evening involve?
 
It was an evening for the four charities to appeal for donations – from organisations, companies and individuals – by giving six-minute presentations on exactly how they would use £5000. You knew exactly how they would use your donation, and it made you confident that your donation would have a positive and active outcome.

2.       The Old Fire Station itself has been described as an ‘inspiring centre for social change’, could you please expand on that?
 
The Old Fire Station itself is a lovely old building, I have always been fond of it because I had a friend who was based there as a fireman. We saw for ourselves just how inspiring the Old Fire Station is through the story of Chris. He said that when he had lost all self-confidence and felt lost, he was told by his social worker to go there. Now he runs evenings, and has been given back his sense of purpose and self-belief, something which we all take for granted. Not only is there the work being run by Crisis Skylight, but the art shop is also doing its part for the community. It sells items made by 100 different artists and designers, over half of the makers being based in Oxfordshire.

3.       How did it feel as an Oxford-based business owner to hear about the positive impact that these four local charities are having on the area?

All of the charities felt very close to heart and home, we have worked with Aspire in the past so it was great to hear about their good work and also to learn about the other local charities. In particular, I am really pleased that I had the chance to learn about My Life My Choice. We were invited because of our involvement with Aspire, and we were so pleased to be able to do something local. As a business I do feel as though it’s our duty to use our resources and help in whatever way we can.

4.       How did it feel to personally see and hear from those individuals involved in the charities?
Very moving, the evening gave me a great insight into ways of life that I’m not aware of. Obviously I have seen similar stories in the news, but the evening really highlighted the reality of it and brought it home for me. Especially My Life My Choice, it left me really thinking how we could all do more and made me reflect on how I personally view others.

5.       Was there a stand-out or particularly resonant moment from the evening that you would like to share?
Again it would have to be the presentation given by Husband and wife, Tracy and Nigel for My Life My Choice. Their moving story really made me gulp and reflect about the impact of words.

6.       Could you please tell me more about your personal involvement with Aspire?
We employ one or two people to help with our brochure distribution, packaging and labelling the post before it’s sent out to customers. We have found that working with them has been a very successful and positive experience.

7.       Has the evening left you with any plans or thoughts for the future
The evening definitely made me think how we could use Aspire more and look for opportunities in our business. I recently had a meeting with them and we are considering using their services to help with one of our busiest periods, which is sale preparation.

See the youtube clips of the evening for yourself here;

https://www.youtube.com/user/TheFundingNetwork

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10 Top Tips for Healthy Feet this Summer

by ecco on April 22, 2013

The sun is finally shining, and it’s the perfect time of year to embrace the outdoors. After being trapped in boots and thick socks all winter, now is the time to swap them for sandals and let your feet breathe.

Here are some top tips for helping you care for your feet this summer;

1. Keep feet clean and dry

An obvious but important one. Make sure you thoroughly clean your feet with soap and water. Afterwards it is vital to dry them well, especially in between toes. Drying them well prevents fungal organisms from developing, they love moisture.

2. Break in your new shoes

Give yourself plenty of time to break in new shoes before going on trips where you’ll be doing lots of walking. This way you can avoid discomforts such as blisters.

3. Don’t hide “ugly” toenails with polish.

A discoloured, cracked, thick, or crumbling nail could be the signs of a nail fungus. Applying nail polish to an infected nail could make the problem worse, and you won’t cure it by ignoring it.

4. Avoid Flip Flops.

Flip-flop’s or sandals with thongs that fit between the toes can often cause blisters, irritation and discomfort if you aren’t used to wearing them. Flip-flops also give almost no cushioning, support or protection so they should really only be worn for short distances.

5. Use sun cream

When sunbathing always apply sun cream over the tops of your feet, your heels and your toes. If you go in the water, remember to reapply sun cream afterwards.

6. Let your feet get some fresh air.

Treat yourself to a reliable pair of sandals with cushioning and support. Wearing sandals will keep your feet dry (preventing fungal infections) and give them a chance to breathe.

7. Prevent Blisters

On warm days the heat can make your feet swell, causing your shoes to rub a little and causing blisters. Some blisters are unavoidable, but you can prevent them by always wearing in new shoes properly before wearing outside. Always carry a few blister plasters with you on long walks in case you notice any redness from rubbing. If you do find yourself with an uncomfortable blister then try not to burst it, as it will only be uncomfortable and sore.

8. Drink Water

Drinking lots of water during sunny days can help reduce swelling in your feet. It is advisable to promote circulation by regularly stretching, wiggling and flexing your legs, toes and feet.

9. Banish Smelly Feet

It is definitely worth investing in something that will keep your feet smelling fresh. Try our refresher spray or use our foam cleaner outside AND inside your shoe.

10. And most importantly, swim, walk, and enjoy the summer!!

Walking is the best form of exercise for your feet, and swimming makes a fantastic alternative for those who find other forms of exercise painful.

If you have any tips of your own that you would like to add to our list then please post them in the comments section below, we would love to hear them!

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The ECCO Team explore Up at the O2

by ecco on April 18, 2013

What is up at the O2?

Up at The O2 is an unforgettable expedition across the roof of the world’s most popular entertainment venue. The 90 minute experience gives you spectacular 360 degree views of London with knowledgeable guides who are keen to point out key landmarks and interesting facts. Climbing the O2 combines an exciting outdoors challenge with breathtaking views of London as you have never seen it before. From the viewing platform, 52m above ground level, you will be able to see the Olympic Park, Thames Barrier, The Shard, Greenwich and Canary Wharf, before descending back to base.

Why ECCO shoes for such an awesome climb?

Climbing the roof of the O2 obviously requires footwear built to keep guests stable and comfortable so that they can focus on their experience- and this is where ECCO shoes come in. Everyone who climbs the O2 is loaned a pair of ECCO shoes to give them comfort and confidence with an amazing grip, even when the O2 roof is wet. The shoes are lightweight, flexible and supportive, which makes them the perfect companion for your thrilling climb.

Our Experience – More than a Roof Top Walk

Arriving by DLR, we first caught a glimpse of the walkway over the O2 dome.  To get an idea of the scale of the building we then took the Emirates airline ski bubble across the Thames. Despite the wind causing a rocking motion Harry and I had a 10 seater bubble to ourselves and got a view of the whole area. To the east we could see the Kent countryside, and to the west an Eifel tour-like mast at Crystal Palace.

We were taken up the O2 by Steve, Cat and Jenny from the ECCO UK sales team. The guides and team at up the O2 were friendly and knowledgeable and would undoubtedly cope in a crisis. It was a truly memorable experience which started with building the adrenaline levels during the safety video. A serious message in light hearted British humour.  Then time to get prepared, pulling on flying suits over warm clothing. It was 14 degrees but the wind was cold at the top. Then all strapped in with safety harnesses with an amazing slide and lock mechanism for the horizontal safety wire. Then a familiar experience of changing into ECCO shoes, – what more can I say, proof about why I am passionate about ECCO.

Harry wore Biom golf hybrid from his own collection and I was loaned ECCO Sayan II shoes. The ECCO wedged boots chosen for their comfort and style when visiting London were clearly not suitable for the challenge ahead.

The walk was more about technique than strenuous exercise and it lived up to all expectations, plus the view was more than worth the climb. I loved seeing such a spectacular view of London, particularly the only lighthouse on the Thames at Trinity. Lots of time for photo moments on the viewing platform. I highly recommend it next time you’re in London.

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It’s our 50th Anniversary!

by ecco on March 27, 2013

To celebrate 50 years of shoemaking, ECCO have combined the classic designs of Time, Free and Joke and added a vibrant splash of colour to create Mind. Available in a range of colours for both men and women, the mind shoe embodies our love of heritage and innovation.

Throughout our history of 50 years with shoes, we have gained lots of numbers to be proud of. Here are some of our number-related trivia;

Man wearing Black ECCO Mind shoes1963 – The year ECCO was founded

350 million – The pairs of shoes ECCO have produced

20,000 – Global Employees taking pride in being quality shoemakers

We have always been passionate about shoes, and passion cannot be outsourced. That is why we are the only major shoemaker in the world to own all of our factories and tanneries. Chief Operating Officer Michael Hauge Sørensen says, “We have never lost sight of functionality, quality, craftsmanship or innovation. That is the heritage that we will also build on to meet the demands of tomorrow. And with our passion to build the best shoe company in the world, we will continue to control our own destiny in an ever-changing world”.

Celebrate with us by saying hello to our 50th Anniversary shoe! This classic moccasin style with statement colours is made from naturally soft and breathable camel nubuck leather. It has a cushioned wedged sole for support and ease when walking, and a non-removable leather covered insole made with 2mm foam for a cushioned feel. Plus, these shoes come with a replacement pair of dark white laces so you can easily transform their look to match your style.

See the mind shoes on our website here, or see them in action on our Youtube Channel here.

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Best Loved ECCO

by ecco on February 5, 2013

Win a luxury ECCO iPad Case*

 

This competition is now closed and we would like to say a huge thank you to everyone that shared their lovely stories, poems and pictures with us! We highly recommend having a read of everyone’s fantastic entries.

Here at ECCO Oxford we thought that February would be a great time to have a competition! Our inspiration came from two things, 1) everyone could use a little treat after those January blues, and 2) February is the month of Valentine’s Day and it’s made us keen to share some ECCO love.

Therefore, our competition theme is ‘Best Loved ECCO’.

We want to hear all about your love for ECCO! Send us  your pictures, quotes or stories about how you have loved anything and everything ECCO.

Do you have a dog that knows it’s time for a walk when you put on your ECCO’s? Are you a groom who wore them to your wedding? Do you have a lifelong love with one particular pair of our shoes? Have you come to rely on the comfort of ECCO’s after having trouble with your feet?

Whatever your story we would love you to share it!

Throughout the month of February we are asking you to submit your pictures, quotes and stories about your ‘Best Loved ECCO’s’- and the winner, with the most imaginative or heart-warming entry, chosen at the end of the month-will win a high quality, embossed leather, valentine red iPad case worth £74.99!

You can either leave a comment on the blog post below (it won’t appear automatically, it may take 24 hours as we reserve the right to monitor content), on our Facebook and Twitter pages and in store. Please note, if you submit via Facebook or Twitter, your entry will be re-posted on the blog with your user name, and our contact email in the ‘email’ field. Don’t worry, if you win we will contact via your chosen channel and get a contact address for you :-)

To get you started here is an entry from a lady named Eleanor climbing a volcano in Lanzarote wearing her ECCO boots! Eleanor told us that because she has mobility problems and difficulties with her balance, the grip and support her ECCO’s give are essential.

*Terms and Conditions Apply. All entrants must have a delivery address in the UK to send their prize to.

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Exploring the Empty Quarter

January 28, 2013 Uncategorized

  “I knew instinctively that it was the very hardness of life in the desert which drew me back there – it was the same pull which takes men back to the polar ice, to high mountains, and to the sea.” – Wilfred Thesiger Inspired by great explorer Wilfred Thesiger’s adventure through the Empty Quarter [...]

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The History of ECCO Oxford: an interview with Managing Director Harry Fletcher

January 9, 2013 Uncategorized

Managing Directors Harry and Hilary Fletcher opened the first ECCO franchise in the UK and have been selling ECCO shoes for over 25 years in the heart of Oxford. I recently met with Harry to discuss the history of his ECCO shop and mail order business, as well as plans for expansion in the future. [...]

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Aspire wins the Guardian’s Charity of the year 2012!

January 3, 2013 Uncategorized

Here at ECCO Oxford we were very pleased to hear about the success of local charity Aspire, who won the Guardian’s prestigious Charity of the year award 2012! Aspire is a Charity that works very hard to help disadvantaged members of the community who are looking for, but struggling to find work. Where others might [...]

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In the Press

December 21, 2012 Uncategorized

Here at ECCO Oxford we are very excited to tell you all about the two ankle boots that have caught the attention of the press! Our Navoi Eski ankle boot and out Sculptured 65 Charm ankle boot have been spotted all over  glossy magazines and fashion blogs this winter,  it’s time to see why these [...]

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The Spikeless Golf Shoe Debate

December 3, 2012 Uncategorized

The world of golf is very open to change and innovation. There is always some new gear to get avid fans and critics talking. During the 2011 Masters though, a new trend was about to set but not many were completely ready for it… Fred Couples raised many eyebrows when he was the first pro [...]

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