Despite challenges, cautious optimism for summer

Morné Howell, Afro-Thai Imports
Trafalgar, KZN, SA - With the exception of one factory, all our winter stock is en route, or is here already. We have had to work hard to minimise the impact of CNY on deliveries and apart from COVID-related issues in certain areas, we are satisfied with how things have panned out.
      With regards to summer - we expect more inflationary pressure to bleed through to the market, with the US talking about further interest rate hikes, Rand weakness and ultimately pressure on end users. Core lines continue to do well and our focus continues to be around comfort, rather than fashion. At this stage we are holding on tight, but still enjoying the ride, although the road is a little dark (tx Eskom) and bumpy at times.

Adrian Maree, Corrida Shoes
Pietermaritzburg, KZN, SA - Corrida’s start to the year has been better than 2022, and although it’s very early days for us for Summer, it looks like it will be very similar to last year which will be a very positive result.
 
Nas Kokoroyanis, Florsheim SA
Johannesburg, Gauteng, SA - It has been a hectic return to business in the New Year. Lots of queries, issues etc.
      We are fortunate that we traded well at retail, wholesale and online last year. This has put us in a good position for 2023. We have a 'new' brand, Nunn Bush by Florsheim, which has given us entrée into a new segment. This worked very well for us in 2022, and we foresee most of our forecasted growth coming from this brand.
      I believe the market to be very volatile with too many factors at play i.e. rising interest rates, load shedding, unemployment, etc. But, in saying that, every opportunity has to be grasped.

Fiona Borthwick, FSP Collection
Cape Town, W. Cape, SA - Pleased to report that we have had a good run for summer with tourists pouring into South Africa, especially Cape Town.      We are expecting good sales for February and March 2023 with events like the Formula E happening. The build up around the stadium is very exciting and will draw big crowds.
      There is always a dip during the winter months but we keep ourselves busy manufacturing stock.
      We are up by almost 100% on this summer period versus last year but still a long way from pre-Covid figures.

Mike Farrer, Hi-Tec Sports Distributors
Cape Town, W. Cape, SA - Trade for aw2023 is 15% up on last year and SS23 at this early stage, with a bit to do still, is flatlined. In the coming months we expect to grow slightly on SS22.
This is on the back of 25% average growth over the past 3 years.
We have had a good uptake in new markets in Africa which will fuel some future growth.
So we are extremely happy under difficult trading conditions of late.

Paul Hancock, Intobrands
Cape Town, W. Cape, SA - FOB $ prices have increased by approximately 15% across all of our brands which, together with another 15% exchange rate deterioration, will put a lot of pressure on both RRPs and margins as we cannot pass the full price increase onto the consumers. We have consequently ordered lower volumes for the coming winter season.
      Summer sales have performed well and we are sold out in many key styles. We have recently landed some replacement stock but at higher prices which may impact on demand.

Michelle van Emmenes, Paris Belts
Johannesburg, Gauteng, SA - The bulk of AW23 has been completed and ready for markets and we are now working on SS23.  Sales have been good end last year and we just launched our 2023 range, adding some exciting new designs, and interim orders are looking positive.

Andrew Fenwick, Saddler Belts
Durban, KZN, SA - Our order book is about the same as last year. We thank those retailers who continue to support local manufacturers.