Lincoln and Sharon New, Co-owners, Term Footwear.
Published: August 4, 2020 | Updated: 4th August 2020
A company which designs, manufactures and sells school shoes has launched a new crowdfunding campaign.
Term Footwear says it is in response to the change in consumer buying behaviour due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Parley-based business introduced the next generation of kid’s shoes – Sole Buddy – this month.
The addition to its comprehensive range of school shoes was in time for the back-to-school season.
With children heading back to the classroom in September, the campaign will allow Term Footwear to manufacture more shoes and also upgrade its website to target sales direct to consumer.
Co-owner Sharon New said: “Since Term Footwear was registered in 2016, we have grown the brand with a B2B model and although the website is an e-commerce site, it has always mainly been a brand showroom.
“We have seen web sales rise during the pandemic and now need to invest in making our online presence sing and give parents the confidence to buy their school shoes online.
“With social distancing measures here to stay for a while, we realise that not as many parents will have the time to shop in-store or have the confidence that it is safe.”
The Crowdfunder campaign has an added opportunity.
Term Footwear will qualify for match-funding from two separate funds:
Both funds will pledge on the campaign page, once certain criteria are met.
Sharon, 50, said: “We have taken this opportunity to appeal to parents, grandparents and potential investors to back our campaign to make these fantastic school shoes available to children all over the UK and indeed the world.
“Pledges start from £1 for a simple thank you, to £1,000 for the chance to buy shoes for a whole classroom!
“These shoes are very special and are available on the Crowdfunder campaign from only £35 per pair with our early bird offers.”
The campaign can be seen here
As reported on Dorset Biz News, Term Footwear launched a Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign in May to raise at least £10,000 to get the first production of Sole Buddy shoes made and sold.
It proved successful with 180 backers contributing a total of £11,670.
A special video accompanies the Sole Buddy brand.
It features the cool #budiam verse and can be seen here.
