I N G L E D E W ' S
S p e c i a l F e a t u r e
and family values (case in point: all six
of founder Pascual Blanco Martinez's
children run the company). A long-time
partner of Ingledew's—nearly 20 years—
Magnanni also recognizes the importance
of keeping on top of current trends and
gives designers free rein to add o‹-the-
cu‹ †nishes to its products. "We were the
†rst company in North America to carry
Magnanni," says Ingledew. "The shoes
are beautiful, functional and truly
one-of-a-kind."
Other brands are trendier and often
stunningly Instagram-worthy. One
notable example is high-end trendsetter
Stuart Weitzman. "We have great respect
for Ingledew's," says Douglas Mossey,
Stuart Weitzman. "The company was
one of our †rst Canadian customers, and
remains a key client." And the admiration
goes both ways. "Stuart makes incredibly
fashionable shoes, and insists each one is
perfectly made," says Ingledew.
"The emphasis Ingledew's places on
the in-store experience resonates with
our own values," says Greg Nicoghosian,
Mephisto Canada. Founded in France in
1965, Mephisto incorporates traditional
methods of shoemaking, but is also
cognizant that the retail landscape is
changing. "The shoe business is very
di‹erent from when we †rst opened,
and we're turning more of our attention
toward social media and establishing
an online presence," Nicoghosian
acknowledges. "But no amount of clever
marketing can create the trust customers
place in a company that consistently
produces quality product and o‹ers
memorable service."
"We are committed to the in-store
experience, and that's not something
that translates well to online shopping,"
says Ingledew. Though the company is
developing a new retail website, it will
continue to invite consumers into the
store for that customized shoe-shopping
experience.
"At the end of the day, Ingledew's is
a family business, and I like to think the
many people who work here, the brands
we carry and our clients, are part of our
family, too," says Ingledew. If there's any
secret to Ingledew's success, it's that they
take care of family.
