Business Details
20 Years
experience
Your Trusted Source for Kids' Shoes & Dancewear in Torquay
Established in 2006, The Shoe Zoo was founded in Torquay by Peter and Claire French to address the challenge of finding high-quality children's footwear fitted by attentive staff. Our mission has always been to provide a comprehensive selection of trusted brands in a child-friendly environment. In 2014, we expanded to larger premises in St Marychurch, introducing a dedicated dancewear department and a coffee shop to enhance the shopping experience.We prioritise exceptional customer service, offering a 30-day return policy, free UK delivery on orders over 45, and seven-day-a-week support. Our team takes pride in assisting families, including those with children requiring specialist fitting, and we maintain a warm, welcoming atmosphere both in-store and online.
Services
School Shoes
Dancewear
Shoe Care
Gifts
Online Shopping
Details
- Year established: 2006
Highlights and features
- We offer 7-day-a-week customer support in-store and online.
- Free UK delivery on orders over 45 with 30-day returns.
- Specialist dancewear department with pointe shoe fittings available.
- Curated selection of trusted brands for children's footwear and accessories.
- Family-run business with a child-friendly ethos since 2006.
What people say
Great service
Awesome quality
Friendly staff
Patient team
Successful shoe purchase
Services
School Shoes
We provide a wide range of school shoes from trusted brands like Start Rite and Lelli Kelly, designed for comfort and durability. Our expert fitters ensure proper sizing for growing feet. Ideal for parents seeking reliable, style-appropriate footwear for their children.
Dancewear
Our dancewear department offers pointe shoes, ballet slippers, and performance attire from leading brands. We provide fitting appointments with trained professionals. Catering to beginners and advanced dancers requiring specialist equipment and guidance.
Shoe Care
We stock shoe care products including insoles, laces, and cleaning kits from brands like Woly and Easy Lace. These items help extend footwear lifespan. Perfect for customers seeking practical solutions to maintain their shoes.
Gifts
Our gift selection includes wooden toys and puzzles from Woody Treasures, priced between 14.99 and 25. These items cater to children's play and development. A convenient option for shoppers seeking quality educational toys.
Online Shopping
We offer online ordering with free UK delivery on purchases over 45. The website features size guides and product filters. Designed for customers preferring convenient home shopping with flexible return options.
People
Peter French
Co-Founder
Co-founded The Shoe Zoo in 2006 after identifying a gap in the market for quality children's footwear. Prioritises customer care and product expertise. Believes in creating a stress-free shopping environment for families.
Claire French
Co-Founder
Co-founded The Shoe Zoo with Peter French, bringing a focus on child-friendly retail experiences. Instrumental in expanding the business to include dancewear and a caf. Committed to exceptional service for families with diverse needs.
Questions
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept major credit and debit cards, including Visa, Mastercard, and American Express, through our secure online payment system.
Do you offer international shipping?
We currently offer free UK shipping on orders over £45 but do not provide international delivery services.
Can I return online purchases in-store?
Yes, we accept returns for online purchases in our Torquay store within 30 days of purchase with a valid receipt.
Do you provide dance shoe fittings?
Yes, we offer pointe shoe fitting appointments with trained dance professionals in our dedicated dancewear department.
Are your school shoes approved by educational institutions?
We stock brands like Start Rite and Lelli Kelly that meet most school uniform requirements. Check specific guidelines with your child's school.
What facilities are available in your store?
Our Torquay store includes a dancewear department, shoe care section, and Bamboo Café serving refreshments to accompany your shopping experience.