Sheringham shoe shop vying for national award

A shoe shop launched just four years ago at Sheringham is among a handful of stores vying to pick up a prestigious national award.Jackie Fuller opened Jacqueline's after the long-standing fashion store where she was manageress closed down.

A shoe shop launched just four years ago at Sheringham is among a handful of stores vying to pick up a prestigious national award.

Jackie Fuller opened Jacqueline's after the long-standing fashion store where she was manageress closed down.

Since starting in a small unit in the Courtyard then expanding into a second, she moved to her current Station Road premises two years ago and has doubled her turnover.

Now she has been named as one of five finalists in the Independent Footwear Retailer of the Year award run by fashion magazine Drapers - and is up against tough competition including London shoe and bag boutique Spice.

Mrs Fuller, 50, who has spent a lifetime in the footwear and fashion businesses said reaching the final five was 'not something I expected, against so many other retailers.'

The Drapers award aims recognise great service, product range, retail environment and financial performance.

Thousands of shops are potentially up for the award, but only a few have reached the final with the winners due to be announced at a glittering ceremony at the London Park Lane Hilton on Thursday May 7.

The other finalists are Donaghy's of County Down, Pam Jenkins at Edinburgh, and Strolling4Shoes in Cumbria.

Mrs Fuller comes from a Sheringham family and her grandfather was a shoemaker in the town. She worked at Hunts and Olivia's fashion shops, deciding to strike out on her own when Hunts closed.

Her shop, which draws customers from as far afield as Cambridge, sells a range of brands, and adds special services such as fitting session in residential homes, and hosting social visits from women's clubs.