Skip to content
19jul shoe clinic consumer trusted five years hero
News
25 July 2019

Shoe Clinic first to five years with Consumer Trusted accreditation

Consistently high standards of customer care earn retailer Consumer Trusted recognition.

Shoe Clinic has become the first business to achieve Consumer NZ’s “Consumer Trusted” accreditation for five years running.

The footwear retailer, which is New Zealand-owned, has 18 stores nationwide and sells online. This business was a consistently high achiever, Consumer NZ chief executive Sue Chetwin said.

“Shoe Clinic has maintained a very high assessment rating since first becoming Consumer Trusted in 2015. Our accreditation is tough to achieve, so it’s clear this business is providing a high-quality experience for its customers. High standards of customer care are central to our programme,” she said.

From left to right: Sue Chetwin – Consumer NZ CEO, Neville McAlister and Hamish French (Shoe Clinic Directors).
From left to right: Sue Chetwin – Consumer NZ CEO, Neville McAlister and Hamish French (Shoe Clinic Directors).

In 2015, Consumer NZ developed its Trusted programme to recognise businesses that met the consumer watchdog’s strict code of conduct. This code ensures accredited businesses provide exceptional customer service, and exceed the requirements of the Fair Trading Act, Consumer Guarantees Act and other consumer-related laws.

Consumer NZ carries out detailed mystery shopping as part of its assessment. This includes how staff treat shoppers, how they manage returns and what information customers are given about their rights if something goes wrong. In every area, Shoe Clinic had been exemplary, Ms Chetwin said.

Shoe Clinic director Hamish French said he originally applied to be a Consumer Trusted business based on Consumer NZ’s reputation as the trusted and unbiased reviewer of retail and consumer products.

“We knew if we were a Consumer Trusted business it would be a great checklist for us to ensure our 18 stores were upholding our extremely strong customer service focus. We also knew potential customers would see Shoe Clinic as a very reliable retailer by being approved and trusted by Consumer NZ. This has proved to be the case. We are very proud to be the first business to be Consumer Trusted for five years running!”

Image of a grandma

Fuel our fight for your rights

We’re working hard to keep big businesses and lawmakers in check on one-sided retirement village contracts, greenwashing claims, misleading supermarket prices and more. With your support, there’s power in numbers. Help us raise $50,000 in four weeks to stand up for your consumer rights.

Donate now

Member comments

Get access to comment