Skechers’ Post

HOME COURT ADVANTAGE -- Portland is home base for major sports and outdoor brands, and is taking the first big steps to becoming the epicenter of American footwear manufacturing. Full stop. Portland, Oregon lawmakers last month approved phase-one funding for a $125-million effort aimed at building out a green manufacturing campus for shoes and apparel. The 'Made in Old Town' development project will revitalize 10 buildings and four city blocks at the center of a once-vibrant manufacturing district, with the goal of creating a mecca for innovation and onshoring. Which brands already have their footwear design centers based in Portland? Nike • adidas • Danner Boots • Arc'teryx Equipment • KEEN • Columbia Sportswear Company • On • Saysh • Under Armour • Cole Haan • lululemon • Allbirds (and I've probably forgotten a few more...) The concept, the creativity, the will -- and now the funding is in place for Portland to become a center of gravity on a critical feature of apparel/footwear production. A capability that will allow for innovation within planetary boundaries, all the while revitalizing an under leveraged footprint of our downtown core. “This project stands at the intersection of two forces: a need for states and cities to re-envision the uses of neighborhoods to be multiuse and multipurpose—and also to allow an industry that has been used to going overseas to think about manufacturing and innovation in their own backyard.” Win. Win. Win. 🚀

Veja launched a "General Store" in Paris, but is NOT focusing on sales there... 👟⬇️ The French sustainable footwear brand VEJA has launched a "Repair Shop" in Paris, focusing on cicular/sustainable footwear maintenance rather than sales. ♻️ Unlike its traditional name, the "General Store" serves as a center designed to prolong the lifespan of sneakers by offering repair services. 👩🔧 This initiative by the eco-conscious brand is not entirely new, as Veja has previously integrated repair sections in its stores across various locations including Berlin, Bordeaux, and Madrid. 🇫🇷 However, the Parisian outlet marks a significant expansion, occupying a 100 square meter space solely dedicated to the restoration of shoes and apparel. 🛠 This space stands out for not selling footwear; instead, it showcases the latest designs for viewing, emphasizing its commitment to sustainability over commerce. 🪙 Veja's approach to pricing at this repair hub is strategic, keeping costs low to encourage repairs over new purchases. The goal is to make the repair service appealing by ensuring it's more economically appealing for customers to repair rather than replace. 🍀 Veja aims to break even on these services, signaling that profit is not the driving force behind this venture. 👚 Beyond shoes, the Paris hub welcomes customers to repair or customize their clothing, and it offers an array of related products such as shoe care and cleaning supplies, socks, notebooks, and other small items for sale. The Veja General Store can be visited in Paris's 10th arrondissement, on rue de Marseille. ➡️ What do you think? Can the low-cost repair model adopted by Veja be scalable and adopted by other companies aiming for sustainability? 💬👇 #trendwatching #innovation #sustainability #csr #circulareconomy #veja #footwear #sneakers #paris #france #commerce #business #future

Nearly one-third of its customers have bought its footwear secondhand, Dr. Martens says. The bootmaker is helping customers get over the ick factor of second-hand shoes with a new website, launched last month. The ReWair store opened in the U.S. in late March, following success with a resale pilot on Depop in the U.K. ReWair (a pun on AirWair, one of the company’s brands) is part of Dr. Martens’ 2040 net-zero emissions goal. Although Doc Martens has a rebellious image — its boots have long been the uniforms favored by punks, skinheads and anyone else trying to signal that they’re "alternative" — making them is an environmentally unfriendly business: The production of raw materials and the crafting of apparel and footwear generates 70 percent of the greenhouse gas emissions of the fashion industry, according to a 2020 McKinsey report. Raising cattle and tanning hides is resource-intensive: The upper part of a shoe requires about 152 kilograms of carbon dioxide equivalent per square meter of leather, according to an analysis in Energy Procedia. After that, the vast majority of 23 billion shoes produced globally each year wind up in landfills. Read more from Elsa Wenzel.

Bata: Crafting Footwear for Tomorrow's Trends. In a world where footwear trends evolve rapidly, Bata stands out as a beacon of innovation and reliability. With a rich legacy dating back to 1894, Bata has continually pushed the boundaries of product design and development, setting itself apart from other shoe brands in several key areas. Affordability meets style in Bata's diverse range of footwear offerings. From the chic designs of the Bata Red Label collection to the timeless appeal of the Bata Bullets sneakers, the brand caters to fashion-conscious consumers without breaking the bank. Bata's ability to blend affordability with style has made it a favorite among discerning shoppers worldwide. Global presence is another defining feature of Bata. With stores in over 70 countries, the brand has established a strong foothold in diverse markets. This global reach allows Bata to adapt its products to different cultural preferences while maintaining consistent quality standards. Whether it's traditional mojaris in India or cutting-edge sneakers in Europe, Bata ensures that every customer finds their perfect fit. Craftsmanship and quality are at the heart of every Bata product. Skilled artisans meticulously assemble each pair of shoes, ensuring superior comfort and durability. Bata's commitment to using high-quality materials and innovative technologies, such as the Insolia system for improved balance and comfort, sets it apart from competitors who prioritize style over substance. Sustainability is a core value for Bata, driving its efforts to reduce environmental impact through initiatives like the Bata Eco-Drive collection. By using recycled materials and embracing eco-friendly practices, Bata demonstrates its dedication to crafting footwear that not only looks good but also does good for the planet. Innovation is ingrained in Bata's DNA, evident in collaborations with designers, technological advancements like the Insolia system, and the reintroduction of classic designs with modern updates. Whether it's pushing the boundaries of design or incorporating cutting-edge technologies, Bata remains at the forefront of footwear innovation, shaping the trends of tomorrow. As Bata continues to lead the way in product design and development, it remains committed to its founding principles of quality, affordability, and sustainability. With a focus on crafting footwear for tomorrow's trends, Bata invites consumers to step into the future with confidence and style. #kristujayanticollege #productdesign #marketing #bata #productdevelopment Dr. John william

ARMSTRONG '25 YEARS ✨ No Risk is celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Armstrong boots. It was in 1999 that the professional footwear brand, based in Guimarães, unveiled to the world the boots that would become a commercial success—especially in Ireland, where they lead the market. Today, the Armstrong boots are No Risk’s oldest model still in production, with over one million pairs sold. The bestselling numbers are easy to understand. Along with safety and versatility—Armstrong boots are as popular in agriculture as in construction—the boots feature full-grain leather construction, which is waterproof and wear-resistant, combined with a sole that ensures comfort and ease of cleaning. The formula was so spot-on that the design of the Armstrong boots has remained practically unchanged over the years, undergoing only minor updates: the laces and eyelets have changed, now offering a small hit of orange color on the black base. Essentially, a model named after the first man to walk on the Moon had to be prepared to face all elements. Armstrong boots are known for their adaptability, suitable for rural or urban settings (and even more extreme environments), and their popularity extends beyond the professional context. The work boots, designed for functionality, have gained a new life as a lifestyle piece. The integration of workwear into the fashion world has a long history: numerous artists and creatives have always sought inspiration from work clothes, vintage stores, and industrial brands. Today, however, this relationship is more natural and flexible than ever. Workwear coexists with haute couture and has become a uniform for cosmopolitan daily life. It is the face of a generation and a contemporary lifestyle, offering a sustainable response to the fast fashion cycle by proposing timeless, comfortable, and high-quality pieces. No Risk, which has always incorporated fashion design into professional footwear, has in the Armstrong boots a model that meets these requirements. Increasingly popular as contemporary footwear, the future years of these work boots may be as connected to the future of manual industries as to the resurgence of workwear. There’s no doubt: built to last, Armstrong boots are here to stay. Here’s to another 25 years. *author: Nuno Cerqueira, Contracoutura

👟 Step into the future of safety footwear! Check out this article on the evolution of safety footwear tailored for the e-commerce era https://lnkd.in/gcurRwpR #SafetyFootwear #PPE #WorkplaceSafety

Agostino Apolito is the new General Manager of ASSOMAC. STEPTECHNIK asked him three questions:   The year 2024 has only just begun: What do you expect for footwear production? Will it be a year of growth? Agostino Apolito: It is not easy to talk about the trends of 2024, but we can say that the footwear industry will experience moderate growth in 2024, despite a slowdown in international footwear trade in the first months of 2023. Despite this slowdown, the general outlook for the future remains positive. In terms of volumes, we expect a slight increase compared to last year, as well as prices, but the situation is quite unpredictable due to current global events. However, despite this positive outlook, there are also some challenges facing the footwear industry in 2024, including: continued supply chain disruptions, rising labor costs and the growth trend in raw materials.Overall, the outlook for the footwear manufacturing industry in 2024 is mixed. While there are some positive factors driving growth, there are also some challenges to overcome. Footwear manufacturers that are able to adapt to these challenges and capitalize on the opportunities will be well positioned to succeed in the coming year. What are your plans for Simac Tanning Tech?   Simac Tanning Tech, the international trade fair for footwear, leather goods and tanning technology, is increasingly becoming the world's leading trade fair for technology for the fashion, automotive and design industries. For this reason, we will celebrate its 50th anniversary with a special edition that will take place at Rho Fiera Milano from September 17 to 19, 2024. The event, which will be attended by more than 300 exhibitors from all over the world, will be an opportunity to celebrate the past and look to the future of a sector in constant evolution. Organized by Assomac, the fair will feature a series of events and exhibitions dedicated to the latest trends in the leather industry, technological innovations and environmental challenges. Where do you see the biggest challenges for the footwear and leather goods production sector?   The footwear and leather goods sector faces a number of challenges that could impact its future growth and sustainability. Labor shortages and rising labor costs: the footwear and leather goods industry is very labor intensive, and many factories are located in countries with aging workforces and rising labor costs. This makes it increasingly difficult for manufacturers to find and retain skilled workers, which drives up labor costs. Raw material costs: The cost of raw materials such as leather, chemicals and energy has risen steadily in recent years. This is putting pressure on the profit margins of footwear and leather goods manufacturers. Geopolitical instability: Geopolitical instability can disrupt supply chains and make it difficult for footwear and leather goods manufacturers to import and export goods. This could lead to bottlenecks and price fluctuations.

Advantages of Producing your shoes in Portugal! 🇵🇹👞👠 The Portuguese footwear industry has been gaining widespread recognition for its numerous advantages, delivering exceptional quality and value to global brands like never before. 👟👠💼 Although we are not perfect nor trouble-free, we are still excepcional on our commitment with our clients, and the good relationships we can establish with them, based on trust and transparency. Here are a few reasons why choosing Portugal for footwear production can be a game-changer for your business: 1️⃣ Expertise and Craftsmanship: Portugal has a long-standing tradition of craftsmanship and shoes expertise. The country's skilled artisans, passed down through generations, excel in producing high-quality shoes with meticulous attention to detail. Their craftsmanship ensures your footwear items are not only aesthetically pleasing but also built to last. 2️⃣ Innovative, Sustainable and Fairly-made Practices: Portuguese manufacturers have embraced innovative techniques and sustainable practices, increasingly using eco-friendly materials, implementing cleaner production methods, and reducing their environmental impact. By producing shoes in Portugal, you contribute to a more sustainable and responsible fashion industry, knowing that all workers envolved have fair wages and the correct working conditions. 3️⃣ Quick Turnaround Times: Portugal's efficient and reliable logistics networks enable fast turnaround times, meeting even the tightest production deadlines. This is invaluable for brands that need to respond swiftly to market demands or launch time-sensitive collections. Portugal's agile supply chain ensures you stay ahead of the competition. 4️⃣ Proximity and Accessibility: Situated in Southern Europe, Portugal enjoys excellent connectivity with the rest of the world.This proximity benefits both European and international brands, reducing shipping costs and timeframes. 5️⃣ Competitive Pricing on quality-leadtime-services: Despite its exceptional quality and craftsmanship, Portugal maintains competitive production costs when compared to other European countries. This advantageous pricing, combined with the aforementioned benefits, offers an attractive proposition for businesses searching for cost-effective shoes production solutions. In summary, choosing Portugal as your shoes production destination provides a winning combination of craftsmanship, sustainability, efficiency, accessibility, and competitive pricing. The Portuguese footwear industry is a driving force in meeting the evolving needs of the global fashion market. 🌎💪 If you're looking to elevate your brand through top-notch shoes production, I invite you to explore the unmatched advantages that Portugal has to offer. Feel free to reach out to me for further insights and business opportunities. Let's make stylish strides together! 👞👠👡🥾👟✨

Good initiative 👏🏻! However, the footwear industry remains a challenge when it comes to circularity… why? ⬇️ Few Industry challenges 👟Nearly 24 billion pairs of shoes are manufactured each year 👟It is estimated that only 5% is recycled 👟Sneakers and running shoes can be made from 65 materials and components, bonded with adhesives that make recycling them almost impossible. 👟Perceived hygiene can also deter reuse ♻️Profitability of the circular economic model #Crocs in short 🐊First appeared on the shoe scene in 2002 🐊Inspired by the Dutch clog, designed to be boating shoes originally 🐊There are exactly 13 holes on each pair 📈Record revenue of nearly $4B in 2023 (Crocs $3B+ HEYDUDE $0,95B) #circularbydesign #footwear #sportsindustry #recycle

In a world where conventional footwear meets mundane designs, Fausto Brand emerges as a transformative force, representing an extraordinary fusion of creativity and craftsmanship within the realm of footwear. Founded in 2017 by Sumit Agarwal and Navin Joshua, Fausto began as a modest online shoe retailer with grand aspirations. #retailnews #retailtrends #retailsector #retailindustry #retailing #retailresults #retailupdates #businessnews #retailgrowth #retailsectornews #retailindia #retailreports #retailtechcase #retailtrends #retailbusiness BY - Aritra Ghosh, Features Writer, IndianRetailer.com & Retailer Magazine