DAVIES SHOES: CELEBRATING 85 YEARS IN MAYFIELD… and still kicking!

Whilst many consider Friday 13th an unlucky date, in this instance it has proved a good omen for business longevity. On 13 December, Newcastle footwear institution, Davies Shoes, will celebrate 85 years of trading in Mayfield. 

The longevity of the business can be attributed to the passion for footwear of Davies Shoes owner, Ivor Davies; "I love what I do and I'm passionate about quality and fit. I have been working in the footwear industry for over 50 years, and still get excited about introducing new brands and styles to my customers." 

While 85 years is an enviable innings for any business, the Davies family has been fitting the feet of Hunter locals for even longer. Ivor's father, Emlyn Davies, first opened the shoe store in Kurri Kurri in 1927, before relocating to Mayfield on 13 December 1939. 

After Emlyn passed away, management of the store was taken over by his wife, Edna. Their younger son, Ivor, took full control in 1978. He has managed the business ever since. 

Whilst Davies Shoes has become a Mayfield icon, it is now in the privileged position of being a 'destination store', with its reputation for expert fitting, quality footwear and great service drawing customers from as far away as the US, UK, and Sri Lanka. 

Over its 85 years in Mayfield, Davies Shoes has quite literally weathered historical events, most notably the 2007 Pasha Bulker storm, during which the roof of the store's old Mayfield address was blown clear across Maitland Road, to land intact on the roof of the current store.

But through thick and thin, there has been one constant through the journey; "Our customer loyalty is remarkable," said Ivor. "We have customers who are the fourth generation in their family to buy their shoes from us." 

"This milestone is just as much about them as it is about us, and we'd love our customers to come in store and celebrate with us at 11am, this Saturday 14 December for some cake and a cuppa!" 

It is certainly clear that Davies Shoes is still putting its best foot forward. 

Event: 272 Maitland Road, Mayfield

Time: Saturday, 14th December, 11:00AM

Contact: Ivor Davies (02) 4968 1785 / davies_shoes@hotmail.com

For further details and interview: Lyn Thurnham, Thurnham Teece

lthurnham@thurnhamteece.com.au 0418 490 989