ELEGANCE IN FOOTWEAR

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 164, 5 April 1919, Page 3

ELEGANCE IN FOOTWEAR

Twenty years ago Mr. J. W. Martin opened a retail boot and shoe store at Petone, which ho carried on for thirteen Tears, when the prospects of Courtenay Place as one of Wellington's leading business parts so appealed to him that he opened a branch at Courtenay Place, just opposite iho tram terminus, where ho continued with a light stock, owing to tho very- small shop, but after five years' steady increase in trade tho output hod assumed such proportions that extensive alterations were absolutely essential, and after a new and elaborate shop front was installed, considerably enhancing the winoow display of up-to-date footwear, tho rear portion of the premises was taken further back, the whole affording the needed increase in shop space. These alterations were in no way sufficient to cope with the ever-increasing trade, and after two more years Mr. -Martin again found the necessity to look for ways and means to further enlarge upon his- premises. After considerable negotiations ho managed to buy the'lease ot the adjoining shop from Mr. F. E. White, and tho necessary alterations have just been concluded, making this footwear establishment one of the largest and .most up-to-date in Wellington. The rapidity with which this business is growing i 3 very evident, and there is little doubt as to its future prosperity. A few years bonce will no doubt see still further enlargements upon the present store. The proprietor has had a lifetime experience in the boot trade, and knowlcdgo gained has taught him tho value of right buying; the fact that he knows how and where to buy is strikingly evidenced in tho prices asked for tho highest-grade boots and shoes. The very best brands aro always stocked, including such favoured makes as Bostock's, Crockett and Jones's, Keith's, C. J. Clark's, and the celebrated Zona. A matter of much interest, to tho general public is tho fact that Mr. Martin is now purchasing direct from the leading American houses; this mufit mean a big saving in buying, and consequently a decided advantage to customers. The connection formed by this popular business is not merely local, for from all parts of tho country numerous clionts avail themselves of the opportunities afforded to purchaso the, very finest quality boots and 6lioes at temptingly low prices. Tho recent extensive alterations afford better facilities for dealing with all branches of trade, and as very heavy! stocks are held, which it is intended lo I clear at the very earliest opportunity, country clients should immediately get into touch with Martin's.

A better idea of the increasing number of woll-satisficd customers may be gained when it is known that not only has the turnover trebled but the mail orders have increased double-fold. The question of repairs has always given the general public much food for thought, and this part of the business has not been nivrlccicd. for the very latest. American repairing plant has just been installed, aim should prove a great: boon In those requiring boots or shoes mended in ,1 satisfactory and expeditious manner. Tim uiiiehlioriM rubber heels, bootlaces, and nil the leading brands of boot polishes arc always ou hand, and children's drsirab> footwear is a speciality at Martin's, Courtenay Place—(Published by arrangement.)