Hamish French: Wellington’s Walk of Success

Credit where it’s due — Hamish French has put Wellington on the map for customer-first retail.
The Shoe Clinic co-director recently made headlines after the brand became the first retailer in New Zealand to earn Consumer NZ’s Trusted accreditation five years in a row.
This isn’t just an award — it’s a symbol of trust, care, and excellence.

From Global Brands to Local Heart

Originally from Dunedin, Hamish is now a proud Wellingtonian.
He brings more than just retail experience — he brings soul.
After working with major names like Reebok and Nike, he shifted gears in 1996.
That year, he joined Shoe Clinic, and since then, he’s never looked back.

He runs the Wellington and Lower Hutt stores with a deep focus on customer care.
For instance, each store offers free expert fitting and access to podiatrists.
Moreover, the shoes come with a 30-day satisfaction guarantee — just another reason locals keep coming back.

Giving Back, Step by Step

More than business, Hamish is about community.
He regularly donates returned shoes to charities across Wellington.
Also, he partners with schools and sports clubs to support young athletes.
As a result, his work echoes far beyond the shop floor.

In addition, Hamish takes part in citywide discussions about the future of Wellington.
He speaks openly about downtown challenges and solutions, including the Golden Mile project.
Through it all, his voice stays calm, constructive, and committed.

A Wellington Hero, Through and Through

Today, Hamish French isn’t just a business owner.
He’s a leader, a mentor, and a changemaker in Wellington.
He shows us that small steps — when taken with purpose — lead to big change.

Certainly, Wellington is lucky to have him.
We are super proud of his efforts and his service to our city and country.
He represents everything that’s great about local business and community care.

Wellington walks stronger today because of Hamish — and we’ll keep walking with him