NEWS
News In Brief . . . • More international visitors search for new suppliers at GDS
• Clear tendancy for earlier orders among German retailers
• Italy improves its shoe trade balance • Paris Fairs move to the end of July • Wortman increases sales by 15.1 %
Amazonas assigns Ghez footwear
as official distributor. Amazonas has assigned Ghetz Footwear, based in
London, as its official distributor for many major markets in Europe, except Spain and Portugal, which are handled by a Spanish firm, Solan Co. C.L. Ghetz, which has also a subsidiary in the U.S., It will also handle other continents and has an option on the U.S. market. The first line of Amazonas sandals received a very warm
welcome at various fairs including the FN Platform at Magic in Las Vegas GDS in Düsseldorf and Micam in Milan. Based on the initial response in Italy, the U.S. and other
countries, Ghetz feels that the line will generate even more business than the line of Anatomic Gel comfort shoes that it already distributes in Europe or other Brazilian footwear lines that it sells in various countries such as Piccadilly and West Coast. Founded in Francal in 1947 as a manufacturer of
vulcanized rubber heels and soles, Amazonas has developed into a major factor worldwide in soles and adhesives, among other products. It has about 3,000 employees and it recently entered the Argentine market. As a group, its total sales are expected to increase to over $420 million this year.
While opening its first store in Moscow, Jimmy Choo is
taking over full control of its operations in Hong Kong, which were previously shared with Bluebell through a joint venture. The current activities comprise five single- brand stores in Hong Kong and sales to various local department stores.
Li & Fung has acquired a controlling stake in Delvaux, a
Belgian brand of leathergoods, through one of its investment vehicles. The big Chinese company recently made investments in two other European fashion firms, Cerruti and Robert Clergerie. Its total sales grew by 33 % to $8.80 billion in the first six months of this year, but these and other recent investments led to a 16 % drop in its net profit to $282 million for the period.
"The articles above are extracted from Shoe Intelligence, the international business publication on the footwear market. If you want to receive a full sample issue or ask for a free trial, please send an e-mail to
sampleft@edmpublications.com."
Success Breeds Success - BFA extends Foundation Course The British Footwear Association (BFA) Foundation Course in Footwear
Technology – by the industry, for the industry – has been voted a success. The first year saw 28 trainees from ten footwear companies completing
the ten-module course. The feedback from the trainees and their companies has been enthusiastic and amendments have been made for 2012 in light of these. The second year of the Foundation Course commences on January 2012. Additionally, due to industry demand, a shorter version of the course for
commercial trainees will also be offered. This edited course will focus on the fundamentals of shoe making and materials, and include visits to UK factories to see shoes in production. Richard Kottler, CEO of the BFA commented:” The BFA anticipates that
the edited course will draw trainees from footwear manufacturers, importers and some retailers, from the buying, merchandising and supply chain disciplines, as opposed to career technical managers. “We at the BFA are delighted that the Foundation Course has been so well
received by the footwear industry and are proud of being the initiator of this industry led training programme designed to raise standards in the UK.”
Footwear & Leather Industries Annual Health & Safety Conference 23 November 2011
The 2011 conference promises to be better than ever with a variety of
professional speakers covering occupational health issues; permits to work; a REACH update and very special presentations on safe systems of work. As usual, this event will take place at SATRA’s conference facilities in Kettering and the delegate fee is at the 2009 rate of £30 per head – absolute value for money! Details and entry forms will be sent to member companies shortly but, in the meantime, please feel free to contact
elaine@britfoot.com for further information.
Geox and Patrick Cox SS2012 capsule collection GEOX the premier Italian brand famous for the innovative use of
breathable technology and the renown British shoe designer Patrick Cox have teamed up to create a capsule footwear collection for Spring Summer 2012. The collection is an exciting fusion of sportswear and urban chic and will be launched during the Micam footwear fair in Milan this weekend. This SS2012 capsule collection marks the start of an ongoing collaboration
between GEOX and Patrick Cox and will see the development of footwear collections for men and women that bring together elements of active sportswear, big city living, innovative materials and cutting edge design. The debut collection that will be launched this weekend features 18
styles for men and 20 for women that perfectly illustrate the meld of active sportswear and city chic. The designs include classic wing tip moccasin and derby shoes but with lightweight, flexible GEOX BREATHING soles or the combination of a traditional tubular loafer with a tennis sole. The shoes are crafted in beautiful soft leathers in a vast assortment of
colours. From January 2012 this new collection will be distributed in key European markets such as the UK, Italy, France and in the USA and Asia. The range will be available in top department stores, selected Geox shops and specialty stores with retail prices ranging from 100 - 150 euros.
6 • FOOTWEAR TODAY •OCTOBER 2011
www.footweartoday.co.uk
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