East London, E. Cape, SA – Trading conditions are constrained and steady. We need to focus on good quality products at reasonable prices / value. We are optimistic about the direction of the overall economy in RSA.

As a wise man once said regarding growing a business: “Sometimes you have to move slowly to be able to move fast.”

I was taking to an investment analyst recently. He mentioned that they investigated why the listed clothing retailers were doing so poorly in relation to the overall positive direction of the RSA economy. They came to the conclusion that the direct imports to consumers via Temu/Shein were having a significant impact.

It is highly probable too, that the unrestrained and explosive growth in the online gambling industry is causing immense harm to the local economy, impacting the poorest of the poor and removing liquidity from people’s pockets.

In answer to your question, ‘how do non-public chain CTFL retailers survive against the public chains?’

• By having a razor-sharp focus on the needs of the customer.
• Being able to innovate quickly as the market changes.
• Building confidence in their brands, in the market, by offering a consistently good quality product at a reasonable price. The end user will often pay a little more if they resonate with the product on offer and its value proposition. 

Trading Conditions / Middle East war

Prices from our suppliers are increasing rapidly and will have a negative effect on our manufacturing soon. We await what the upcoming months are going to show as we might be outpriced by the rising cost.

Airfreight has been surprisingly quick, and we have had no surprises from water shipments as yet, but we foresee that the rising transport cost will affect us soon.

We produce belts for many high-end brands, and their units have increased 40-60% so far this year compared to last year this time, which indicates that that the market will rather pay more for quality and a brand.

We don’t supply chain stores directly as it’s been impossible to come into their price as our business is 70% genuine leather and only 30% synthetic. We are still optimistic about what this year will bring as sales have been generally good so far. 

Trading Conditions / Middle East war

Durban, KZN, SA – “There are multiple possible reasons why it’s been a very quiet April,” Nasron Footwear Manufacturers member Rodney Naidoo said last week, “but from a sales and turnover point of view, it’s been dreadful – and that’s from someone who’s normally positive.”

He expects this month to be “significantly better”, starting with all 5-day weeks.

Privately owned chains are the backbone of Nasron’s business. “Talking to three of them, one is positive – very positive – about a specific product and line, while the others are talking about pushing out deliveries. So, a silver lining, but by no means a flood of orders.”

He said other, smaller retailers had become “extremely difficult to manage”.

“We have a broad spectrum of customers, but in absolute numbers, it’s shrinking. The old legacy of an industry of honourable businessmen is gone. There are a couple of gems, but literally, a couple. For too many, 30/60-day payment terms become 60/90, and then 120, while we’re exhausting every avenue to pay OUR suppliers on 30 days. The chains are safer business.”

He said the Middle East war was “definitely affecting raw material prices”, especially for soling materials – PU, PVC, and TPR – but there were also other, sometimes unexpected increases, “like our local courier charges, which have gone up 20% in a week because of the price of diesel”. 

The Arsutoria International Workshop at the Cullinan Hotel in Cape Town on 01 and 02 June 2026 will cover footwear as well as handbags and leather goods.

What makes this year especially exceptional is the inclusion of a distinguished global expert, bringing decades of experience across design, merchandising, branding, and export development. Having worked with leading international brands such as Levi’s®, Bally, US Polo, Tommy Hilfiger, Puma, Guess, and Zegna Footwear, he offers invaluable insight tailored to help South African manufacturers compete and thrive on the global stage.

This immersive, high-level workshop is designed for business owners, designers, production leads, and export-focused teams within the footwear, leather goods, and handbag sectors.

Spaces are strictly limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, with priority given to manufacturers in the targeted sectors. Applications must be submitted by 13 May.

Please note that while attendance at the workshop is offered at no cost, participants travelling from outside the province will be responsible for covering their own accommodation, travel (including flights), and any other related expenses.

For further information, contact info@saflec.co.za. 

Durban, KZN, SA – All 3 sectors tabled their initial proposals at the first rounds of negotiations last month, Ilhaam Ryneveld, general secretary of the National Bargaining Council of the Leather Industry of SA, said last week, and these proposals are currently being taken back to their respective members for consideration.

The second round of negotiations are scheduled as follows:

General Goods & Handbags: 5 & 6 May 2026

Footwear: 11 & 12 May 2026

Tanning: 28 & 29 May 2026