Topshop Opens First Shoe Store

Forget Jimmy Choo sandals and Prada Mary-Jane pumps. In fact, designer shoe brands are in for some stiff competition with the opening of Topshop's first standalone shoe store, Shoes by Topshop, in Manchester. Topshop's brand director, Jane Sheperdson said: "We feel that now is the time to show Topshop shoes can stand on their own without the clothes and to show that this is a real fashion brand."

The collection comprises of designer-esque shoes as well as their revered vintage range. There is also a spa in the back for pedicures, manicures, massages and fake tans. As to why Manchester, Ms Shepherdson said that "we thought, if we can make it in Manchester, we can make it anywhere". The company also did not want to overlap with its London Oxford Street branch which also sells shoes.

Topshop launched its highly successful shoe range two years ago and its pixie shoes sold an astonishing 3,500 pairs a week last year. Awaiting customers in the shop are Glastonbury-inspired, handpainted wellingtons as well as all of next season's shoe trends: quasi-Chanel tweed stilettos at the very un-Chanel price of GBP45, endless selections of moccasins (GBP40) the spitting image of the popular Tod's and Miu Miu's versions.

As Topshop's designs have improved, the average customer age has increased and Shoes by Topshop is the first acknowledgment of this change. The store is situated on the decidedly chichi King Street, a mere stiletto's throw from designer stores such as MaxMara, Emporio Armani and DKNY. The shop has a stylish boutique feel, instead of a mass-market department store and there is talk of more standalones such as one for lingerie.