In a landmark moment for Irish retail, children’s footwear specialist My First Steps has become the first Irish brand ever to win the coveted Drapers Independent Footwear Retailer of the Year Award for the UK & Ireland — one of the most prestigious accolades in the footwear industry.
This historic win comes just as parents across the country prepare for the busy back-to-school season — a time when getting the right fit for growing feet matters more than ever.
Founded in 2022 by Quin native and mother of two Alison McGrath, My First Steps has grown rapidly from its home in Ennis, Co. Clare, into a nationally recognised brand with stores in Ennis, Galway, and a growing online platform at www.myfirststeps.ie. The brand has earned a reputation for blending professional shoe-fitting expertise with premium children’s footwear — and now, with industry recognition to match.
“To be named Drapers Independent Footwear Retailer of the Year is a dream come true — and to be the first Irish brand ever to receive it makes it even more meaningful,” said founder Alison McGrath. “This award recognises our commitment to putting children’s foot health and comfort first — while never compromising on style, quality, or service.”
As part of its commitment to innovation, My First Steps recently became the first Irish retailer to introduce SizeWise, a cutting-edge foot scanning tool that allows parents to accurately measure their child’s foot from a smartphone — bringing the store’s expert fitting service directly into Irish homes.
“We’ve combined trusted in-store care with award-winning digital technology to make finding the perfect fit easier than ever — whether you’re shopping in Ennis, Galway or from your kitchen table in Cork,” said McGrath.
My First Steps is supported in its online trading by Ennis eCommerce and Digital Marketing company, Little Rock Digital. Founder, Breige Grogan said “This award is a testament to Alison’s commitment to providing a top class customer experience for parents and kids, both online and offline. Alison puts her little customers’ feet first in all of her decision making, and it is wonderful to see such a progressive and purposeful Irish retailer recognised by Drapers”
Drapers has been the leading authority on fashion retailing in the UK since 1887, and the highly prestigious Drapers Awards have been recognising outstanding service, design and innovation from the very best fashion retailers, brands and suppliers in the UK and Ireland for the past 34 years.
Founded in 2022, My First Steps is a multi-award-winning children’s footwear retailer offering expert shoe fitting services in-store and online. With branches in Ennis and Galway, and a growing digital presence, the company is dedicated to combining foot health, fashion, and family-first values — now recognised at the highest level with the Drapers Independent Footwear Retailer of the Year Award 2025.