Shoe store Ruia features rare international footwear
What gal can ever have enough footwear? Kajal Ruia might agree. Her new shoe store, aptly named Ruia, is debuting in SoHo, N.Y., designed for women searching for those hard-to-find international designer brands. The 26-year-old makes it her mission to hunt down those elusive labels and offer them to U.S. consumers.
As a former finance-management trainee for Lloyds Banking Group, Ruia hopes to turn her business know-how and her enthusiasm for shoes into a profitable enterprise.
“It sounds silly, but I’m trying to offer something different,” Ruia told WWD. “It’s all beautiful designers, and, apart from Missoni, I am the only place you can get them in New York.”
The outfit currently offers a variety of international choices, including shoes from Italy, London and Brazil; from stilettos and pumps to suede and boots, there are plenty of opportunities to find that perfect pair.
The shoe enthusiast can discover metallic pumps and suede booties from Baldan or vintage boots with feathers from Dibrera. A particularly chic pair is offered by Dora by Mi-Piaci: platform pumps with large buckles done in suede. Missoni, Loriblu, Luis Onofre, Londoner Cleo B and more are all available, classily displayed on tables and dressers instead of shelves.
WWD sources predict the store could produce around $300,000 in the first year alone.
“I just want people to come in and enjoy it,” said Ruia. “I want people to leave with a ‘I had fun there’-type feel.”
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