The owner of a children’s shoe shop which has started trading in Mauchline has said the town ‘ticked the boxes’ when searching for a new premise.

Susie & Sam Children’s Shoe Shop, situated on Loudoun Street, opened its doors for the first time on Monday, September 21, after 16 successful years in Bearsden and most recently Helensburgh.

Amazingly, owner Zoe Mair, from Dalrymple, had always planned to set up shop this month.

Despite coronavirus fears, her timeframe worked out.

Zoe explained: “I’m local so I knew there was scope in this area rather than in the town centre. I’m sure many people would agree that town centres are not that attractive at the moment so I was looking for a busy location with a huge catchment and Mauchline ticked the boxes.

“It’s only 15 or 20 minutes to each major town so the reach is massive. We’ve attracted people from Maybole, Prestwick and New Cumnock, so it’s definitely working. Locals have been, dropping in gifts and cards. I think everyone is pleased to see a lovely fresh shop in the town.”

During lockdown, Zoe took an innovative approach, working from home to create virtual and then outdoor fittings so parents could still get the perfect size of shoe for their wee one.

She is glad that the shop is in Mauchline rather than in a town centre like Kilmarnock or Ayr because of their high rents and rates.

The businesswoman said: “My shoe shops were previously all in huge town centres like Glasgow and Ayr but with the rents and rates, you can’t sustain that.

“It was fine in the heyday when businesses were thriving in town centres but over the years I’ve had to rethink how people shop. It’s about giving yourself the best opportunity to survive and thrive.

“I think what has been highlighted during the crisis is how big multiples haven’t done anything to help a mum who is needing her child’s first pair of shoes, whereas a small independent business can think outside the box and do a virtual fitting.”

Local Ian Howie said: “I am delighted that the village has attracted a shop to open up. It’s great to see a shop that has something different on offer.

“A very welcome addition to Mauchline as it grows.”