Footwear Industry Articles
- Vukile’s Property Fund’s project to grow new entrepreneurs expands with launch of new emporium at Daveyton Mall
Many – most – just about all – independent retailers believe that South African shopping centre managements discriminate against them, and they say most malls are just a rehash of the same chains, over and over again.Vukile Property Fund, which has around 30 medium size centres around SA serving mostly middle class consu ...moreClarks cuts prices by up to 60% in the UK — smart move or sign of trouble?
Clarks has launched what may be its boldest sale in years — offering up to 60% off across all 326 UK stores and online. But behind the markdowns lies more than just a seasonal promotion. This looks like a brand trying to steady itself in a storm.Founded in 1825 by Cyrus and James Clark in Somerset, Clarks built its reputation over n ...moreInspired or appropriated? Prada’s sandals, Maharashtra’s craft, and the call for recognition
When Prada introduced its latest leather sandals at Milan Fashion Week, the visual resemblance was unmistakable: Kolhapuri chappals — iconic handmade footwear from Maharashtra, India. The backlash was swift. Artisans, media, and cultural commentators called out the brand for what they viewed as cultural appropriation, sparking an in ...moreFreebird Shoes feels the squeeze — and it’s a sign of the times
High interest rates. Rising inflation. Changing consumer habits. These forces are squeezing the life out of many retail businesses — and Freebird Shoes is one of the latest to stumble. The once-popular brand, known for its handcrafted leather boots, has closed 14 of its 20 U.S. stores and is reportedly buried under more than $15 mil ...moreWhen a $25 hoodie causes a $ million lawsuit — the story of Lululemon vs. Costco
Lululemon is taking Costco to court — and it’s not over yoga classes. The premium activewear brand says Costco is selling lookalike versions of its most popular clothes, and they’re not having it. Filed on June 27, 2025, in a California court, the lawsuit claims Costco’s cheaper Kirkland, Spyder, and Danskin items ...morePhotographing shop windows – a game of cat and mouse
Back in the day, when overseas travel was a real tripA series by Brian R. ZysterPart of my job was taking photographs of the new products, trends and styles available to introduce into my new season range of footwear. So I was armed with a Canon camera and some zoom lenses with about 25 rolls of film and also a notebook to put some ideas ...moreObituary: David Maisey – Brondean Agencies (11/05/1945-10/07/2025): A member of the original agency Bomb Squad
Dave, born in the UK, started at Dodo’s in Johannesburg in the late 1960s then moving to Edgars in Port Elizabeth as a buyer in 1973. Not long after he was offered the Jordan agency in the Eastern Cape which he grabbed with both hands and served the company very professionally for 40 years.In 1986, I was plucked from the buying o ...moreMalawi restriction on imported security boots ‘will help local factory, but bank loans still difficult’Blantyre, Malawi (09 June 2025) – Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) Bantu Arts and Crafts has applauded the Ministry of Trade and Industry for issuing a restriction order on the importation of security boots and industrial footwear. The move has paved the way for locally manufactured products of the same kind to thrive.Speaking in a ...moreAppeal by SA Enrico Coveri trademark holder to stop import of Italian Enrico Coveri footwear as counterfeit dismissedOriginal reports by Dale Healy (Adams & Adams), and Zelda Venter (Southern African Legal Information Institute).Dale Healy (Adams & Adams)South Africa’s Supreme Court of Appeal has delivered a landmark ruling that authentic designer goods cannot be seized as counterfeits, even when imported without permission from local trad ...moreRunning is a global focus for Adidas; locally, we want to help Cape Town achieve International Major Marathon status
Tom Brown is senior brand director at Adidas. He answered our questions.Is Adidas targeting technical running internationally, or is this mainly in SA?Technical running is a proud cornerstone of the adidas business internationally and we constantly endeavour to develop the best products and work with the best athletes and events. Last yea ...more© S&V Publications
