Sterling Shoes Limited Partnership (the Fund) is an open-ended, limited-purpose trust established to acquire interest in Sterling Shoes Limited Partnership (Sterling Shoes LP). The Fund is a footwear retailer operating through six separate retail banners: Sterling, Joneve, Shoe Warehouse, Freedman Shoes, Gia and Sterling Outlet. During the year ended December 31, 2008, the Fund had 158 stores, which operate in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario. Its products include dress and casual footwear ranging from sandals and athletic shoes to career footwear and special occasion shoes. The Fund offers footwear products under both private label and national brands in each of its stores, as well as a range of accessories, including handbags, shoe care products and hosiery.