Gabriel Irwin is the owner of Foot Solutions in Red Lion Street, Richmond. Nub News recently caught up with Gabriel and asked him to explain the story and ethos behind the business. 

d. Nub News recently caught up with Gabriel. (Photo Credit: Foot Solutions).

Q. Why did you get involved with Foot Solutions?  

I saw there was a gap in the market.  

Many people suffer from discomfort and mobility problems caused by common foot conditions such as bunions, plantar fasciitis and flat feet. Even though these conditions can be fairly easily treated, for example with a combination of well-made, properly fitted footwear worn with custom arch supports, no-one was providing such a service.  

Q. What is the history of the store in Richmond?  

The store was first opened in 2010 but struggled in its early years. I purchased the business from the original owner in 2012 and immediately invested in key areas including training, customer service, merchandising and marketing. Turnover has increased steadily and consistently since then. 

Foot Solutions offer free foot assessments. (Photo Credit: Foot Solutions).

Q. What's the best part about owning a store in Richmond?  

The community. Richmond has a close sense of community among both businesses and residents and there's a friendly high street atmosphere around the town.  

Q. What is the ethos of Foot Solutions?  

Footwear is the only item of clothing that can seriously damage your health. We aim to relieve foot-related pain and discomfort and help our customers to remain pain free and mobile for longer in their lives. 

Foot Solutions is located in Red Lion Street in Richmond. (Photo Credit: Foot Solutions).

Q. What's special about Foot Solutions?  

There are two main factors. Firstly, we have wonderful, highly trained staff who are caring and attentive to our customers' needs and who provide expert, personalised advice. The second factor is the combined quality of our footwear, arch supports and fitting service. The best arch supports in the world will not work if they aren't properly fitted into a suitable pair of shoes. We cover all the bases and provide a one-stop-shop for maximum effectiveness. 

Q. How does it feel to help people to be more comfortable in their lives?  

We feel a great sense of pride and satisfaction when we help people achieve pain-free mobility. Also, because our footwear is not just well-constructed, but stylish and on trend, we know that our customers not only feel good, they look good too.  

Book your free foot assessment here.