24 FOOT MAR10 ara:Footwear_Jan10_p30 04/03/2010 11:30 Page 24
Front cover story
Solid performance in 2009, optimistic outlook for 2010
L
angenfeld-based ara Shoes AG collection, with its tangible focus on fashion
delivered a solid market performance trends in conjunction with a strong emphasis
in 2009, with net sales standing at on comfort and functionality, was very well
around EUR 182.4 million (excluding received by the retail sector. While the volume
LLOYD, Salamander, Legero and a+w). of initial orders fell slightly short of last year's
Against the backdrop of difficult economic figure, the company remains confident that
conditions and significant currency follow-up business will be more buoyant, an
fluctuations in key sales markets, the area in which ara has been making its presence
contraction of revenue by just 3.8% was less felt in recent seasons. Fashionable styling will
pronounced than originally anticipated. The remain a feature of the 2010 autumn/winter
decline in sales volumes was particularly collection. "Future growth is dependent on
severe in Russia, Ukraine and Romania. clear positioning and differentiation of the ara
However, the company was encouraged by and jenny brands. We are certainly on the right
revenue growth in France, the United track with our latest autumn and winter
Kingdom, Italy and China, which was collection," said Markus Haick, the executive
substantial enough to partially offset the director responsible for marketing and sales.
downturn in other countries. for more information Based on the initial response from retailers, the
At the same time, earnings developed
call 01953 859900
or email to:
enquiries@ashton-associates.com
winter season promises to be buoyant. What is
more favourably than sales. Within this
c
o
m
more, cost structures will continue to be
context, a shift in sales away from jenny to
-
s
h
o
e
s
.
streamlined over the course of 2010, as a result
ara helped to lift average revenues.
a
r
a
of which earnings performance should remain
Additionally, the proportion of boots sold in solid.
the winter season was significantly higher than in the previous year. For the ara Group as a whole, sales revenue was in excess of EUR
ara considers itself well positioned for the 2010 financial year and 380 million in fiscal 2009 (provisional figures), with earnings
is anticipating a return to growth with regard to sales revenue, remaining stable. The Group will be targeting a significant increase
particularly with its winter collection. The 2010 spring/summer in sales revenue for 2010.
ara women’s collection, autumn/winter 2010/2011
When you combine eye-catching designs, quality materials and dynamic styling
with sheer wearability, shoes can be beautiful as well as comfortable! The
shoes in the new ara collection are a must-have for anyone in search of
fashionably fitting footwear this autumn/winter season.
Natural-looking leather is at the heart of the collection, along with nubuck
and velour. Smooth leather ensures a wonderfully soft feel, gloss is toned down
to a discreetly metallic lustre and ara continues to feature reptile prints.
Velvety calfskin, lambskin and kidskin guarantee the ultimate in glove-like
wearability. The use of Gore-Tex has also been extended in all styles, from
classic to modern.
Fur trims and knitted tops lend a fashionable finish to boots, Lasts continue
to be rounded or asymmetrically rounded and are generally produced in the
comfortable widths of G and H. Crepe outsoles and real leather welts underline
the fashionable feel.
Classic shades of black, brown and grey are complemented by dark green,
deep beige, rich inky blue and reds ranging from Rosso to Amarone. The colour
spectrum is completed with taupe and earthy tones of mud and stone.
24
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FOOTWEAR TODAY
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MARCH 2010 www.footweartoday.co.uk
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