INTERVIEW
EXCLUSIVE
“Following an exceptional Summer so far, we are thrilled that Autumn/Winter 2023 is shaping up to be our strongest yet with forward orders hitting record levels.” These are the words of Lunar’s Managing Director, Martin Rye, who chats to Footwear Today Editor, Jack Cheeseman…
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racing its history back to 1880 in Northampton, GRS Footwear (George Rye & Sons Ltd) has always been right at the heart of the UK shoe manufacturing industry. Having expanded into various new sectors and growing at a rapid pace over the years, the company has passed through the generations and still remains in the ownership of the Rye family.
Q&A
Q: What’s new at Lunar? How has the year fared so far for the brand? Martin Rye: Following an exceptional Summer so far, we are thrilled to announce that Autumn/ Winter 2023 is shaping up to be our strongest yet with forward orders hitting record levels. Our design team has been carefully working to perfect new styles and enhance our bestsellers, resulting in a collection that is sure to impress! With a focus on refining design features and introducing fresh colourways, our customers can rediscover and indulge in their favourite styles once again, as well as trying new ones. We remain dedicated to creating footwear that exceeds expectations, and strengthening supplier relationships continues to allow greater flexibility to expand our custom materials and combinations to further elevate the range.
12 • FOOTWEAR TODAY • JUNE 2023
Q: What are some of the brand’s biggest latest products? MR: We’ve had an extraordinary response to our waterproof casual boot category. Since its initial launch back in AW 2021, this category has witnessed strong sales that have continued to thrive into 2023. We foresee this trend continuing as customers seek footwear suitable for modern lifestyle considerations. This category is on our radar for further expansion into AW 2024.
In addition to this success, we are witnessing a revival in the popularity of dressy boots this year, likely boosted with an increase in evening events and party season demands. Taking note of this trend, we have designed a range of dressy boots that will be introduced in our AW 2023 collection. These boots embody
timeless sophistication and style, providing our customers with elegant options for various occasions this Winter. An increase in patent materials, studding detailing, and considered trims elevate the formal category refresh. Our design team has also been through the archives and re-designed some of our heritage styles in this area.
Furthermore, we are delighted to share that our best-selling St. Ives leather plimsoll, a style we often see reordered multiple times within season from many customers, has maintained its popularity throughout 2023. With over 15 captivating colourways to choose from, this versatile trainer offers a style for every outfit and personality. Whilst it gains popularity during the Summer months due to its lightweight construction and soft leather materials, its ever-
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Managing Director, Martin Rye, the fifth generation of the family, joined the business in 1992. In the mid-noughties GRS moved to a purpose-built distribution centre in Northumberland, which has since allowed for even further expansion. Today, GRS continues to supply the shoe trade with some of the same shoe care products that were supplied way back in 1880; its distribution network is as strong as ever, thanks to
a collection of market-leading brands. One of these is Lunar. Born in 1990, the brand was an instant hit in department stores and footwear boutiques across the UK due to its range of classic footwear with a designer twist. But over the years Lunar has developed to encompass different footwear categories including boots, comfort lines and even funky wellingtons, so each season now brings over 300 new designs – some in up to seven colours! “We continue to remain dedicated to offering our customers an unparalleled experience,” Martin Rye tells Footwear Today in this exclusive interview. “We create footwear that not only meets but exceeds their expectations, which is further validated with an increase in demand for exclusive style developments with key retail partners.”
LUNAR In conversation with…
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