Alan D Jackson: Leather under pressure
Published: 28th Apr 2017
Morgan Naidoo
Pinetown, SA – The demand for cheaper footwear means demand for footwear upper leather has dropped, leaving leather sellers in a difficult position, says Alan D Jackson member Morgan Naidoo.
His business specialises in Brazilian leather for better-end footwear, but the pressure is on for alternatives.
“The exchange rate has made it that much more expensive, which means we’re competing with similar looking local leathers.
“I’ve looked at alternative sources in South America, without much success.
“We offer Indian buffalo, but so do lots of other importers. We’re just another one, and the margins are tight.”
He says the problem isn’t other leather, it’s other materials – notably so-called ‘flocked’ or ‘bonded leather’.
“However, we’ve been here before, and I believe leather will make a comeback. Hopefully sooner rather than later.” – [+27 (0)31 701 8986/701 6102, ajax@intekom.co.za]
Tags: Morgan Naidoo, Alan D. Jackson
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