NEWS
Wolverine Worldwide and Chapters join forces to bring Cat footwear to the UK T
he Chapters Brand Group agency has been appointed by Wolverine Worldwide as the sole distributor for Cat brand
licensed footwear products in the UK. Global footwear licensee, Wolverine, said
it wants to expand the Cat brand in the UK, “enhancing its presence in-store and online”, beginning with its industrial Cat Footwear. The company hopes to increase the presence
of the long-lasting, fashionable footwear, which draws inspiration from Caterpillar Inc.’s industrial past. Since joining forces, Chapters Brand Group has already secured distribution
Dubs wins Silver in The City Kids Green Awards
D
ubs has been awarded Silver at the City Kids Green Awards 2024 in
the Fashion category. Recognised for its commitment
to blending style, comfort and sustainability, Stuart Davis, CEO and Co-Founder of Dubs, said: “This award celebrates our eco- friendly innovations, such as
using recycled materials and promoting circularity through our Immortal Sneaker programme. It underscores our mission to create a greener future – one step at a time.” One of the judges described the
programme as a “game-changer for promoting circularity,” and commended Dubs for being “really
for Cat-licensed products within UK retailers such as Tower, Urban Outfitters, and over 40 independent retail stores. “Further discussions with additional major
retailers are ongoing, with the goal of expanding Cat Footwear’s omnichannel footprint,” said Chapters Brand Director, Antony Nathan. He added: “The Cat brand is one of the best
well-known brands in the world. It is uniquely special to me, as my father was International Sales Director back in the 90’s heyday.” This addition of the Wolverine license deal sees Chapters continue to grow across the UK
and EU, having acquired many household name brands since the company was formed only in June 2023. The latest names include Rockport and Norda, which are also launching into the UK market this year. With a presence across the UK, Europe and India, Chapters said it offers strategic planning, design, sourcing, marketing, distribution, and bespoke product creation.
well-considered and executed and, of course, incredible for the planet.” Another
added, “Dubs is going the extra mile in seeking
out sustainable
materials, and we look forward to congratulating them when they gain their B Corp status.” Also, Mr Davis has been
recognised by the British Footwear Association in its Footwear50, celebrating the top 50 people
New kids footwear brand to launch at INDX show S
ole Purpose is set to debut at the INDX Children’s Footwear Show later
this month, unveiling a range of sustainable, high-quality children’s shoes. With over 15 years of footwear
expertise, the brand offers eco- conscious footwear for children aged 2-12, blending durable materials, comfort, and timeless style – all designed to meet the needs of today’s retailers and eco- aware customers. The brand’s dedicated local team ensures full oversight of
4 • FOOTWEAR TODAY • JANUARY 2025
production, quality, and delivery. It partners with a trusted factory experienced in children’s footwear, and the Sole Purpose team directly manages every stage of the process – to guarantee only the highest production standards. Crafted from Leather Working
Group (LWG)-certified leathers and recycled materials, the new collection includes versatile, multi- seasonal styles and a durable Back-to-School range, built for comfort and long-lasting wear. Sole Purpose believes in using innovative materials for a greener
future, utilising ethical production methods including a take-back recycling programme to reduce waste and promote reuse. “Our mission is to deliver
exceptional footwear that delights children and parents while supporting retailers in meeting the demand for eco-friendly products,” said Richard Abel, Director of Matrix Footwear (parent company of Sole Purpose). “Step with us towards a more sustainable world, and make every sale count.” Even the brand’s packaging is eco-friendly. It uses Forest
Stewardship Council (FSC) accredited fully recyclable cardboard boxes – with no glue required for assembly, plus eco- friendly and non-toxic printing inks and no wasteful plastic polybags.
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driving innovation and change in the industry. This prestigious accolade, voted for by industry peers, highlights Dubs’ commitment to sustainability, innovation and creating stylish, eco-conscious footwear for kids. It cements Dubs’ place as a rising force in the footwear industry. Looking ahead, Dubs is kicking
off the year at the INDX first standalone kids shoe exhibition this month. The company will also be doubling down on its resale platform, launching new styles and partnering with more stores both here in the UK and overseas.
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