NEWS


An exciting year ahead for Bobux K


ids’ footwear brand, Bobux, has revealed exciting plans for 2024 ¬– including partnering with UK distributor and wholesaler, HB Shoes, and recruiting design legend, Karen Strickland.


From humble beginnings in New Zealand in 1991 to a global presence with over 1,000 stockists across the globe, plus distribution into more than 44 more territories, Bobux is one of the leaders in children’s footwear.


The brand has recently announced its new exclusive distribution partnership to help grow the UK market even further. The UK makes up over a quarter of global sales revenue for Bobux and over a third of its total online sales revenue. It is now working directly with UK distributor, HB Shoes, and benefiting from a local team with all their expertise in the UK. HB Shoes is one of the UK’s oldest premium footwear designers, distributors and wholesalers –


Shoes Dusseldorf “the place to be” for footwear inspiration


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hoes Dusseldorf took place last month, playing host to various events, talks and press conferences, not to mention a showcase of the latest footwear from a variety of brands covering the entire industry. Attendees also discovered a curated selection of innovative products with handcrafted quality, sustainability, and forward-looking design from local designers at its Design Pop-up Market.


The show held informative events at exhibition stands, including discussions on the topics of digitalisation, sustainability and the circular economy, designer presentations and much more. New brand additions in the contemporary section included Alibi, Another Trend, Bensimon, Edward Allan, flip*flop, Ginger & Glove, joop! shoes, Kess, Luciano Bellini, Luis Gonzalo 1966, Michel, Shaddy, and SKA Shoes for life.


Start-Rite steps out with Gold! S


While the premium segment was characterised by the finest materials and perfect craftsmanship. Brands included Ama Brand, Bruno Premi, Casadrini, Copardo, Exeter, Foamers, JHAY, Kimonorain, Lola


working with carefully selected international brands to support their UK and Irish distribution, alongside the design and supply of HB-branded footwear. HB’s Owner and Managing Director, Justin Morgan, said he is hugely excited by the increased potential of Bobux in the UK. He will oversee retail partner sales and customer service, plus warehouse operations and the launch of a new UK e-commerce site.


In other news, design legend,


Karen Strickland, joins Bobux as its Lead Product Developer. She joins with over 20 years’ experience in footwear design, with a particular passion for children’s footwear. She previously worked with Britain’s oldest shoe brand, Start-Rite, before moving to Clarks for a number of years.


& Lo, Noa Harmon, Replay, and Vridae.


Elsewhere, modern styles combined with the latest technologies ensured maximum comfort. New to the range was Comart, Donna Serena, and Xero Shoes.


Lastly, there were several collections focusing on sustainable production processes and resources. Well-known brands such as 8beaufort, Asportuguesas, Duckfeet, nat-2, and thies 1856 showcased their environmentally- friendly collections, while Beflamboyant, Cano, Naturalworld, Novesta, Repair Your Pair (FUSIO e.V.), Shepherd of Sweden, and WAYZ were new to the show.


tart-Rite won Gold in the Children’s Shoes category in the recent MadeForMums awards. After 3,000 judging hours and nearly 1,000 products tested, the winners were decided by nearly 500 families, 22 editorial judges and industry experts. Praised for its collection being both durable and stylish, the testers noted that Start-Rite offered good value for money, calling out the multi-width fittings and built-in growing room. Also mentioned as being particularly impressive was the fact that the shoes designed for the shape of a child’s foot and to promote foot health.


One of the parent testers, who tested Start-Rite shoes with their six- year-old son, said: “He’s been delighted with these shoes; we’ve had not a single complaint! They definitely seem sturdy and well made.” Speaking about the win, Start-Rite Marketing and E-Commerce Director, Jen Tyley, commented: “We are thrilled to be recognised by MadeForMums. One tester told us their child said the shoes were ‘super cool’ and ‘comfy’ – which is what we strive for.


“We work incredibly hard to make the best shoes for children and they are our most important critics. To get praise from the children themselves is incredibly motivating for the team.”


The AW23 collection from Bobux came runner-up and earned Silver. “Fashionable styles designed to support growing feet,” the Mums said.


6 • FOOTWEAR TODAY • APRIL 2024


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