How did shoe&me come about? 

My aunty Jill and I originally partnered up to purchase what was Mount Shoes & Repairs in 1995. We changed the name to Goody Two Shoes, then Shunique (unique shoes) for many years until we rebranded and updated to shoe&me. Jill retired in 2012, I took over and since then it’s just been me and the amazing staff.

Tell us about shoe&me today.

Back when we bought the business, The Warehouse was new in New Zealand, so it has been a conscious decision since the beginning to differentiate from that market.

We are very much focused on catering for a customer looking for quality, comfort, fit and reliability. All our staff have a wide knowledge of our shoes and fittings, so you can rest assured you will be well looked after. 

shoe&me is a destination for men and women who love high quality footwear from around the world, and want a personal shopping experience. I curate a premium selection of (mostly) leather shoes and bags each season, which delivers local and global trends. You will recognise brands like Birkenstock, Bresley, Briarwood, Crocs, Dr. Martens, Ecco, Emu, EOS, Olukai, Skechers and lots more! We pride ourselves on our customer service, being able to order what the customer wants and go the extra mile.

Why did you get into the shoe business?

We originally purchased the business as a job for Jill and a hobby for me, which allowed me to continue my full-time role as mum to four. These days I’m full time with baby number five, which is my shop and all my shoes. 

Jill and I are descendants of the Barneys, who owned and operated one of the first general stores in Mount Maunganui in the 1930s. You could say that retail is in the blood. I started my working career as a receptionist, then was a personal assistant before having a family, but I have now found what I really love to do.

How has the business evolved over the years?

When we first bought the store, it was at 160 Maunganui Road, which we extensively remodelled around 2000. I also opened The Crocs Shop until I could integrate all the stock into a bigger store, which is now our beautiful space at 162 Maunganui Road.

The business has grown and changed to keep up with ever-changing fashion trends, as well as retail and design trends. I constantly look for new suppliers and styles while sticking to our core values as a business, only offering the very best quality for our customers.

What do you love about what you do?

The day-to-day buzz of a retail store, the lovely customers and ever changing seasons of stock coming and going. It’s my happy place, even after nearly 30 years.

What’s on the horizon for shoe&me? 

More and more beautiful shoes for Mount Maunganui and its visitors. I get asked a lot to open a store in Auckland, but we’re keeping it local. However, we update our website every week, so no one needs to go without!

What do you love about the Mount?

The Mount is a great place to live, work and shop. I love that I can walk to work and some weeks don’t even use my car. 

It’s a favourite destination for both domestic travellers and cruise ship passengers, so our customers come from far and wide and often have a story to tell. We value our locals who support us 365 days a year and add an important community component to the town. 

On the main street, we have a unique collection of stores coupled with many owner-operators running their businesses seven days a week.

Can you share some of your favourite spots along Mount Mainstreet? Where you like to shop, eat, visit, any rituals you have.

Dui’s for an authentic Thai meal, Gratitude for a mango smoothie bowl, Spongedrop for the best cheese scones ever, Myrrh & Co for flowers and gifts, In Italy, X.LAB, Tilda… There’s too many to list! But my biggest treat is a delicious gelato from Mount Made as I wander home after a busy Saturday.

shoe&me

162 Maunganui Road

Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm 

Saturday and Sunday 10am – 4pm

shoeandme.co.nz

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