Business Perspective Client: Matthew and Erin Fraser

The leading retail provider of podiatry and footwear solutions has only been open for just on a year and, while the plan is to open more stores, the concept is still in its early days.Essentially, Podium is two businesses in one. On the one hand, it is a retail store selling footwear in the manner of other technical sports retailers – such as Shoe Science or Shoe Clinic. On the other, it is a podiatry clinic. So, much the same as Specsavers is a retail purveyor of spectacles with optometrist’s in-store, so Podium is a retail provider of podiatry and footwear solutions with podiatrists in-house.“Podium is making podiatry more affordable and accessible to New Zealanders,” claims Matthew Fraser.Matthew Fraser and Erin Beeler of Eastern Bay Podiatry have combined skilled podiatrists, video analyses and shoe solutions to remedy any foot-related concern and assist shoppers to find the best footwear fit. Podium Podiatry and Footwear located in the Bayfair Shopping Centre, Mount Maunganui opened on the 18th April 2013, is the only podiatry clinic open seven-days a week and is open until 9.00pm each Thursday and Friday.Podiatry relates to all issues of the lower limbs, including skin and nail care. Podium estimates that issues such as ingrown toe nails, corns, verruca’s and fungal nails will account for 60% of visits to the clinic. Biomechanical problems of heel pain, work or sports injuries and sore arches would account for approximately 35% of visits to Podium, further highlighting the need for appropriate footwear. The Podium clinic also conducts surgical procedures and wound treatment on site at Bayfair.Matthew has drawn on his experiences as a footwear fitting specialist to create the Podium store and clinic combo. He has worked with well-known brands and professional sports teams including Manly Sea Eagles and South Sydney Rabbitohs. Matt says, “At Podium we view the feet as the foundation of the body and the stability and health of the foot is intertwined with the shoes we wear.”“Our clinical team are highly experienced podiatrists and our store stocks a carefully selected range of shoes, including Asics, Brooks, New Balance, Nike and Saucony that provide correct support for the feet whether you’re a recreational walker, professional athlete or a parent that is running after children.”Legacy has a corporate partnership with Podium Podiatry and Footwear. Our Clients and Staff receive a 15% discount of all RRP footwear prices – just say you are a client of Legacy Accountants.