By JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
IT WAS one of Geelong’s best known and loved retail chains back when the footwear and textile industry was still a force in the regional economy.
In its heyday Vogue Shoes boasted 100 staff across five city stores and another four suburban outlets as well as a warehouse and head office. Another two Vogue Safety Wear stores were added later.
Barry Henderson – father of musical maestro, son Cam and grandson Taylor – was there at the beginning in 1944 when his dad Reg bought a small footwear operation.
“We started with three people,” Barry recalled.
“The shop used to close for lunch. Dad was the first to stay open during lunch, getting into strife with the-then chamber of commerce,” Barry chuckled.
“In 1944 the shop had a curtained-off section for the ladies. Men weren’t allowed to serve women.
“It was always a family-oriented business. The staff members were family, because we only grew through their efforts.
“The connection with customers was wonderful in those days. We had a chiropodist on staff and we used to refer kids with foot problems to a top foot specialist.”
Many of the former Vogue Shoes sites were now unrecognisable, Barry said.
“The warehouse loading dock was where Fuel is now, with the warehouse upstairs.
“Our main supplier was Clarks and they bought the operation in 1979. They intended to use the model and replicate it elsewhere.
“They were always amazed we could sell so many shoes in one city. But they had a different way of running and it didn’t work in Geelong.
“It was tragic really, it only lasted another six years.”
Barry and his general manager of 23 years, Darryl Treloar, are hoping as many former Vogue Shoes staff as possible will attend a reunion next month.
The reunion will be at the Lord Nelson Tavern 25 October. Contact Leonie Cameron, Sue Fairbrother or Jeanette Hope at vogueshoesgeelongreunion@gmail.com or on Facebook.
