Retail News CRM

Tag: Shoes

  • Christian Louboutin opens doors in Macau

    Christian Louboutin opens doors in Macau

    Christian Louboutin has opened its first boutique in Macau, at the Shoppes at Four Seasons.

    Located on the second floor of the shopping center, the Christian Louboutin Macau boutique’s design was inspired by the founder’s neoclassical apartment in Paris.

    The boutique “looks like a living room where women do not feel like they are in a store but in the home of a friend who loves them and knows them well,” says Louboutin.

    The store’s facade features red ceramic tiles and a Christian Louboutin neon sign, reflecting Parisian architecture style, and carpet in the brand’s signature red.

    When entering the store, customers are welcomed by flower-painted walls designed by French artist Alexandre Poulaillon. A marble table stands in the center of the room, displaying the sneaker range.

    The second room houses two sofas specially designed by French artisan Jean-Roger, using eye-catching fabric and ceramic scones. Gold-textured brass around the arched mirrors contributes to the feel of a cozy boutique.

    The store’s “study” displays the men’s collection with a “made-to-measure ethical canvas” by French Manufacture Le Manach

    The Christian LouboutinMacau store offers a wide range of men’s and women’s footwear and accessories collections, including its latest Fall Winter 2020 Collection.

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  • Bata Malaysia donates 60,000 pairs of shoes

    Bata Malaysia donates 60,000 pairs of shoes

    As a global leader in shoes, Bata feels a special responsibility towards all its stakeholders including the communities in which it operates across countries and regions. This is why Bata commits to donate 1 million pairs of shoes to frontliners and their families globally; the front-liners fighting the Covid-19 with admirable courage and dedication every day. The donation will impact a number of countries, in Europe, Latin America, Africa, Asia-Pacific and India.

    In Malaysia, Bata has committed to donate 60,000 pairs of Bata shoes to Polis DiRaja Malaysia in appreciation of their services to the country in facing this pandemic. The Malaysian police forces have been one of the pivotal services in combating the Covid19 pandemic in Malaysia. During the lockdown period from March 18th till May 4th, the police forces had been working in high gear in rain and shine to ensure that we, the general public adhere to the Movement Control order. It is their sacrifice that contributed to the containment of the spread of the Covid19 virus in Malaysia at large.

    Bata Malaysia is giving away 7,500 pairs of men’s shoes, 16,500 pairs of ladies shoes, 11,000 pairs of sports shoes, 14,000 pairs of children shoes and 11,000 pairs of school shoes in total with an estimated value of RM 3.6million (total 60,000pairs) to Polis Diraja Malaysia. “We are extremely grateful for their contribution to the nation, and now in return we hope that our donation of shoes will bring cheer to the police personnel and their families” said Ajay Ramachandran, Managing Director of Bata Malaysia.

    Receiving the Bata shoes on behalf of PDRM was The Inspector-General of Police Malaysia YDH KPN Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Panglima Abdul Hamid bin Bador, and The Deputy Inspector-General of Police Malaysia Yang Berbahagia Dato’ Pahlawan Mazlan Mansor.

  • Yue Yuen predicts $70 million loss for March quarter

    Yue Yuen predicts $70 million loss for March quarter

    Chinese sports-shoe manufacturer and retail conglomerate Yue Yuen Industrial is predicting a loss of up to US$70 million in the March quarter as a result of the Covid-19 crisis – a big turnaround from a $75 million profit in the same quarter a year earlier.

    In a profit warning filed with the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, chairman Lu Chin Chu said the pandemic significantly impacted the operations of various business segments of the company.

    Yue Yuen makes shoes for a raft of brands, including Geox, Levi’s, Rockport, Carters and Pony. Its subsidiary Pou Sheng operates a network of some 5500 directly operated stores and 3000+ sub-distributor stores, predominantly in Mainland China.

    The company was hit on both fronts: shipment delays of shoes led to manufacturing revenue falling by 9.6 percent year on year to US$1.26 billion and the closure of Pou Sheng’s stores across Mainland China meant retail revenues plunged as well. Pou Sheng recorded a net loss of about RMB167 million (US$23.6 million) for the quarter.

    At Yue Yuen, the decrease in revenue was “mostly due to shipment delays amid lower operating efficiency at some of the group’s manufacturing facilities in China and other countries resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic,” Chu said in a stock-exchange filing.

    “The pandemic delayed work resumption at the group’s factories in China after the Lunar New Year; it also adversely impacted its supply chain, resulting in a shortage of certain raw materials. This also led to additional production capacity adjustments in China and other countries.”

    As of this week, however, almost all of the group’s factories in China and more than 98 percent of stores run by Pou Sheng had resumed operations.

    “However, the spread of Covid-19 to US and Europe had severely dampened global consumer demand for athletic footwear, the chain effect of which is negatively affecting both footwear manufacturers and sports retailers,” said Chu.

    “In addition, government lockdowns and other social-distancing measures being imposed in various Southeast Asian countries to contain the Covid-19 pandemic is expected to further hinder the operating efficiency of the group’s manufacturing facilities in this region. This, together with uncertainty about demand, may result in temporary factory closures and further adjustments to the group’s production capacity.”

    Yue Yuen says the figures it has released are based on a preliminary assessment of accounts, with finalized figures for the quarter will be released on May 14.

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  • Covid-19 blunts tremendous growth of footwear brand Skechers

    Covid-19 blunts tremendous growth of footwear brand Skechers

    US footwear brand Skechers has reported a modest 2.7-per-cent drop in first-quarter sales brought on by the coronavirus outbreak – and painted a rosy picture of life beyond the coronavirus crisis.

    “We are in unprecedented times, facing difficult decisions daily as we navigate this global pandemic that has negatively impacted every business throughout our industry and most others,” said Skechers CEO  Robert Greenberg.

    “We know from the triple-digit growth we are experiencing so far this month in our e-commerce business and the positive sales trajectory of our recovering business in China, that Skechers’ product continues to resonate with consumers. As our business begins to return to normal, we firmly believe that our retail partners and customers will look to a brand they trust that delivers comfort, innovation, style, and quality at a value.”

    The firm’s net earnings during the period were US$49.1 million, with adjusted net earnings $59.9 million, reflecting the impact of negative foreign currency rates and certain purchase price adjustments related to the company’s Mexico joint venture.

    “We experienced strong momentum throughout 2019, which continued into the first two months of 2020,” said Skechers COO David Weinberg. “However, due to significantly reduced economic activity in China after January, and the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic around the rest of the world in March, sales decreased 2.7 percent in the first quarter. Until then, Skechers’ business was on track for a new first-quarter sales record.”

    CFO John Vandemore said that despite “an extremely strong end” to last year and an equally strong beginning to this one, the company saw a notable slowdown in markets impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic.

    “We have taken decisive action to fortify our business for the duration of this crisis, including drawing down on our senior unsecured credit facility, actively managing operating expenses, inventory levels and production orders, and deferring non-critical capital expenditures. We are confident that the actions we have taken and will continue to take, combined with the global strength of our brand and balance sheet, will position Skechers to successfully navigate this situation, and poise us to return to growth in the future.”

  • Indian fashion chain W expands into footwear

    Indian fashion chain W expands into footwear

    Indian women’s fashion chain W is expanding its business into footwear.

    The firm is preparing to retail shoes in more than 80 W stores across the country, as well as online, offering a collection of various styles of heels and flats. The collection presents classic Western designs with Indian flourishes.

    “At W, we have always strived to give the modern Indian woman a complete wardrobe solution,” said TCNS Clothing MD Anant Daga. “True to our brand promise, we are launching Footapparel, which is an amalgamation of fashion and functionality.

    “Looking at the footwear options available to our customers, we believe finding that one perfect pair which coordinates best, is fashion-forward yet keeps you comfortable throughout the day is a real challenge. This is the space we are addressing with our range of fusion footwear which is both fashionable and comfortable.

    The brand’s shoe designs feature craftwork such as embroidery, braiding, hand weaving, pleating, laser cutwork, quilting, and raffia weaving, amongst others.

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  • New Crocs concept store openening in Manila

    New Crocs concept store openening in Manila

    The first modular Crocs concept store in the Philippines has opened in Estancia Mall, Metro Manila.

    Despite the “enhanced community quarantine” being implemented across Luzon, it didn’t stop the casual footwear brand from opening its 63rd store in the country.

    The 85.5sqm Crocs concept store showcases the classic collection of Crocs such as clogs, slides, and flips with their Jibbitz accessories.

    Literide Collection which is the bestseller is also available in the latest spring/summer 2020.

    On its website, Crocs Philippines says it will operate a skeletal workforce which started on March 17 after Metro Manila was put into enhanced community quarantine.

    Crocs will continue to offer a delivery service, however, but customers have been warned that there might be delays in some areas where travel has been suspended due to the government’s move in fighting the spread of coronavirus.

    Crocs was founded in 2002 by Lyndon “Duke” Hanson and George Boedecker Jr in the US producing foam clog shoes. The shoe was originally developed for boaties, but later evolved into more widespread use and even for fashion.

  • Vans releases range of footwear for those with autism

    Vans releases range of footwear for those with autism

    Lifestyle fashion brand Vans has released a collection of shoes and apparel celebrating autism awareness.

    The range is designed for consumers with Autism Spectrum Disorder and comes in calming colors with features that focus on the senses.

    The collection includes slip-on shoes with squishy uppers and rubber toe caps, and an assortment of long- and short-sleeved tees. The firm collaborated with the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards in crafting the designs.

    Part of the collection’s sales proceeds – a minimum of $100,000 – will be donated to the A.skate Foundation, which aims to help children with autism learn skateboarding. The charity provides grants to children with autism for skateboarding gear, teaching them how to participate in the sport and its inclusive culture.

    The autism footwear and apparel collection is available online and in Vans retail locations.

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  • Shanghai Tang signs up famed Chinese footwear designer Bing Xu

    Shanghai Tang signs up famed Chinese footwear designer Bing Xu

    Hong Kong luxury fashion house Shanghai Tang has released a collection of footwear with newly appointed chief shoe designer Bing Xu.

    The new collection includes a relaxed and laid back take on Bing Xu’s famous Belgian loafer and two slip-on shoes.

    In a nod to the newly started Year of the Rat, one of the shoe designs features an embroidered picture of a cat toying with a mouse. Others feature vivid tiger and dragon embroidery.

    A sought-after Chinese designer in recent years, Bing Xu founded his luxury footwear label in 2013 and started to present his collections independently in Milan in 2017. The brand is frequently featured in major fashion and lifestyle magazines.

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  • Ethical shoe retailer Toms collapses

    Ethical shoe retailer Toms collapses

    Ownership of ethical American shoe retailer Toms will be transferred to its creditors.

    CEO Jim Alling addressed a letter to employees informing them of the transfer from current owners Bain Capital and founder Blake Mycoskie to Jefferies Financial Group, Nexus Capital Management and Brookfield Asset Management.

    The move is intended to “identify the best path forward for our company,” read the letter. It entails a new investment of US$35 million and an enhanced capital structure including debt relief. The shoe retailer Toms distributes products through more than 500 stores worldwide, including department stores and single-brand outlets.

    The firm would have collapsed entirely this year facing a crippling debt of $300 million if the restructure and rescue plan had not proceeded.

    Toms was founded in 2006 by Mycoskie, a Texas entrepreneur, to design and retail shoes, later adding eyewear, coffee, apparel and handbags. Its business model was based on business with a purpose concept, with the company donating a pair of shoes to the underprivileged for every pair sold. By 2012 more than 2 million pairs of new shoes had been given to children in need around the world, including in Argentina, Ethiopia, Guatemala, Haiti, Mexico, Rwanda, South Africa and the US.

    In Asia the company-operated stores with partners in Japan and the Philippines. In 2014 it opened a store in Bangkok’s CentralWorld and Central Embassy shopping centers in partnership with Star Fashion Co. The CentralWorld store has since closed, but it still shows on Central Embassy’s store directory.

    At the time, Hajime Birnbaum, international sales and marketing director for shoe retailer Toms, said taking the brand into Thailand, which he described as a very pro

  • Rumoured Dr Martens sale could fetch up to £1.2 billion

    Rumoured Dr Martens sale could fetch up to £1.2 billion

    Private-equity group Carlyle is reportedly considering a more-than-£1 billion bid for British footwear brand Dr Martens.

    According to Bloomberg, citing internal sources, current owner Permira, a European investment company, has engaged Goldman Sachs and another firm to evaluate options for the future of the Dr Martens business. An IPO is also a possibility.

    Bloomberg stressed that no firm offer has been lodged as yet and there is no guarantee a sale will proceed. None of the three parties have commented publicly on the reports.

    Permira paid £300 million for Dr Martens in 2014 and has since rebuilt and expanded the business through both physical stores and online. It now has 109 standalone stores worldwide in addition to a presence in a vast network of multi-brand footwear retailers.

    With suggestions the footwear brand could now be worth as much as £1.2 billion, Permira is likely to earn a massive return on its investment.

    The company’s earnings before interest and tax rose 70 percent last year to £85 million.

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  • Swedish retailer Sneakersnstuff making debut in Tokyo

    Swedish retailer Sneakersnstuff making debut in Tokyo

    Stockholm-based retailer Sneakersnstuff is about to open a flagship store in Tokyo, its first Asia location.

    The retailer, known for its sneakers, said the Tokyo store will open on December 14 on Log Road in Daikanyama, which is home to high-end boutiques and restaurants.

    Designed by Stockholm-based design studio Bofink, the store will combine the best of both Scandinavian and Japanese design. And more than just a retail space, it will be a multifunctional lifestyle store with an inclusion of a cafe.

    “It features handcrafted and handmade furniture by Swedish and European artists and furniture makers, beautiful and unique colorways, traditional Japanese heritage materials, 3D-printed pieces and more,” Sneakersnstuff said in a statement.

    Tokyo will be Sneakersnstuff’s seventh location worldwide, joining Stockholm, London, Berlin, New York, Los Angeles and Paris.

    The retailer first announced a plan to expand into Asia in October last year.

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  • Ecco India opens its first store

    Ecco India opens its first store

    Ecco India has opened its first store in the country, located at Gurgaon Ambience shopping mall in New Delhi.

    Steen Borgholm, CEO of the Danish shoe and leather goods brand, says the company sees potential in the Indian retail market, despite the challenges.

    “We see strong demand from consumers who know what they want, and who appreciate the quality and consistent brand experience they get from Ecco. We continuously work to understand our customers better, and we hope to be able to convey the passion of our employees and our brand story to them,” he said.

    Ecco India has an expansion strategy which includes opening 20 concept stores in major cities over the next three years. It will also launch an online store in the first quarter of next year, allowing approximately 1.3 billion Indians to shop its products from the website.

    But first, says EVP for global sales, Michel Krol, the company will focus on positioning the brand in India, where the majority of the consumers are price sensitive.

    “We would like to take a long-term strategy to become a successful brand in India. That is why we will start with a small footprint to focus first on brand building so that the Indian consumer understands the brand’s narrative as to why the premium price we charge is justified,” says Krol.

    Founded in Denmark in 163, family-owned Ecco has more than 2250 stores worldwide, along with more than 14,000 points of sale. It owns and manages every aspect of the value chain from tanneries and shoe manufacturing to wholesale and retail activities.

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  • Bata India opens its largest outlet store in India

    Bata India opens its largest outlet store in India

    Footwear retailer Bata India has opened a 6000sqft experiential outlet in Infiniti Mall, Malad.

    The store hosts a large Sneaker Studio, extensive fashion footwear, and handbags collection, workwear ranges for men and women among others. A highlighted feature is the outlet’s Happy Feet Centre for specialized foot care services, such as 3D foot scanning, an on-site podiatrist and a premium shoe laundry.

    The site features omnichannel enablement to allow delivery to the home of any chosen shoe, not in stock. Real-time shopper feedback is captured on the store’s NPS platform.

    “Expanding our retail footprint and channel presence continues to be our core focus for the year,” said Bata India CEO Sandeep Kataria. “All stores are being designed under the global Red format to standardize the brand imagery across the globe. We are focusing on innovating our product portfolio and are constantly increasing newness by introducing New Arrivals Every Friday.”

    Bata India has more than 150 franchise stores throughout the territory and intends to launch 500 stores by 2024.

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  • Geox Singapore opens X Store concept

    Geox Singapore opens X Store concept

    Italian shoe brand Geox has opened an X Store concept in Singapore with a new outlet in Paragon, Singapore.

    The concept fuses various design elements under one roof designed to convey Italian quality, contemporary design, sustainability and digital technology. It offers a multi-sensorial shopping experience which uses technology to engage the senses both inside and outside the premises. A wide entrance door is pierced with circular cut-outs alluding to the holes on Geox soles.

    The core of the new store rests on a digitalised screen that explains the principle of breathability to customers, detailing current trends and available collections as well as providing detailed descriptions of the patents for each unique Geox product.

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  • Hong Kong Customs seizes counterfeit sport shoes

    Hong Kong Customs seizes counterfeit sport shoes

    Hong Kong Customs seized about 12 000 pairs of suspected counterfeit sports shoes on Monday, with an estimated market value of about $1 million.

    The fake goods were discovered in a shipping container at the Customs Cargo Examination Compound of the River Trade Terminal in Tuen Mun.

    However, the shoes were not destined for the local market. Through a routine risk-assessment program, Customs officers inspected a 40-foot-long container destined for the Dominican Republic that arrived in Hong Kong from Huangpu in Guangdong. Upon inspection, Customs officers seized the batch of suspected counterfeit sports shoes in the container.

    The counterfeit sports shoes were not clearly branded in the image released by Hong Kong Customs (above).  Investigations are continuing.

    Under the Trade Descriptions Ordinance, any person who imports or exports any goods to which a forged trademark is applied commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for five years.

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