Independent Towcester shop hopes to take away stress of finding shoes for children safely ahead of schools reopening

An independent Towcester children's shoe shop hopes to offer a safe and friendly service to parents eager to get their kids ready for going back to school.

Zap and Toes has modified the store in Sponne Shopping Centre so there is more room to social distance and offers appointments to ensure customers are the only ones in there.

Paul Lewis, who has run the business for five years with his wife Jenny, said feedback from the public has been only positive so far.

"It's tricky sticking to all of the coronavirus guidelines with children so when people bring children to us it's peace of mind for them that we're set up for it," he said.

"It's usually a busy time of year so hopefully it's all systems go for schools going back in September so everyone wants to get their children's shoes.

"We may be busier than usual with people doing it sooner but some always leave it to the last minute but it's better to do it early as we're limiting customers."

Paul and Jenny were kept busy during the coronavirus lockdown delivering shoes around Towcester to customers who had ordered online.

But it was a relief for them to reopen the shop when the restrictions were eased on July 4, after a refresh of the store layout to comply with social distancing rules.

"It was so frustrating when we couldn't be there but it's so nice to be back and in the town centre again," he said.

"Towcester has a real community feel and it was a long time without feeling that.

Paul said trade has been steady since they reopened but encouraged anyone interested in visiting to book an appointment by going to zapandtoes.co.uk, calling 01327 354843 or email [email protected].

"We have people travelling from all over the place to come to us, people from the other side of Northampton, Banbury, Buckingham," he said.

"We have a bit of passing trade but it's mostly from word of mouth - it's always nice though to find new customers.

"I like to think when people come here they have a good fitting, have a great experience and feel comfortable coming in."