S&V Footwear & Leather Goods Magazine Vol91 No1 January 2025
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IN THIS ISSUE:
03 Upfront
- What to do about Temu and Shein. Interview with National Chain Retail Federation executive director Michael Lawrence.
- Dodo’s: Addressing structural challenges essential if local retailers are to remain competitive in the long term, writes marketing director Kelli Kupritz.
- Anonymous: Their marketing is overwhelming.
- Bergstan: ‘Platteland’ less affected, says member Stanley Berger.
- Kingsmead: Tax them, don’t ban them, writes COO Ryan Davidson.
- Jumbo Clothing: I’m sure we’re affected, but it’s not huge, says director Alan Scheckter.
15 Headlines with Tinashe Mandirahwe
- Where are we heading as a society? From slip-on shoes to revolutionary shoelace solutions.
- Shein returns to India: The future of workers in India’s footwear and apparel factories is uncertain, as growing competition from Shein’s re-entry into India with lower-priced merchandise intensifies.
- Walmart’s ‘Wirkin Bag’ shakes up luxury fashion. AI-generated images of a Birkin bag show just how iconic and widely recognized its design has become. Even AI knows its distinctive look!.
19 Noticeboard
- Obituary: John Watt, Bata SA veteran who started Bresan Footwear.
Advertisers in this Issue
Arena Trims (14), Berzack Brothers (OFC), Freestyle Genuine Handcrafted Leather (02), FrontierCo/Busby (03), Haesloop Agencies (05), Leather Finishing Products (11), Saddler Belts (07), SAFLEC (08), S&V Calendar (01), S&V Directory (13), Shotland Packaging (16).
The Next Issue:
- Out on 19 February 2025. Deadline for submissions 12 February.
- What to do about Temu and Shein: SA’s apparel retailers look to government, and even Trump, to slow the flood
It’s quite funny, really.Seldom have so many South African apparel retailers been as united as they are in their opposition to twin international threats, ecommerce retailers Temu and Shein, while simultaneously, many of their own managements and staffs – and their families – are not-so-secret customers of those same ent ...moreDodo’s: Addressing structural challenges essential if local retailers are to remain competitive in the long term
The Effects of TEMU and SHEIN on South African Retail: A Perspective from Dodo’s and Franco Ceccato chains.The emergence of online retailers like TEMU and SHEIN has significantly impacted the South African retail landscape, especially for brick-and-mortar stores such as our Dodo’s and Franco Ceccato chains. These platforms are ...moreKingsmead: Tax them, don’t ban them
Is your business affected by Temu and Shein, and can you quantify that in any way?We have not significantly felt the effect of Temu and Shein, that being said, it is early days and apparel retailers would probably feel the effects first.How do their prices compare to yours?From what I have seen both Temu and Shein offer a low-price model, ...moreJumbo: I’m sure we’re affected, but it’s not huge
East London, E. Cape, SA – They affect every business, I’m sure, though I don’t know how much. I certainly don’t know how much they affect mine, but it’s not massively.The way to counteract them is to improve customer service – after all, we’re on the ground. I suppose also improve our buying.&nbs ...moreWhere are we heading as a society? From slip-on shoes to revolutionary shoelace solutions
21 January 2025 – In a world increasingly defined by convenience and technology, even footwear reflects profound societal changes. The rise of slip-on shoes, led by innovators like Kizik, and the advent of transformative solutions such as Twirlys’ no-tie shoelaces highlight our collective pursuit of simplicity, efficienc ...moreThe future of workers in India’s footwear and apparel factories is uncertain, as growing competition from Shein’s re-entry into India with lower-priced merchandise intensifies
07 January 2025 – Shein, the Chinese fast-fashion brand, is re-entering the Indian market through a partnership with Reliance’s Ajio platform, as reported by media outlets. The brand had been banned in 2020, alongside other Chinese apps, due to geopolitical tensions. Known for its affordable and trendy fashion delivered at rap ...moreAI-generated images of a Birkin bag show just how iconic and widely recognized its design has become. Even AI knows its distinctive look!
01 January 2025 – Walmart, America’s retail powerhouse, has disrupted the fashion industry with the “Wirkin Bag,” a budget-friendly alternative to Hermès’ iconic Birkin bag. Officially called the Kamugo Genuine Leather Handbag, the Wirkin has captivated social media, offering luxury aesthetic ...moreThe rare shoemaker who had a passion for the closing room
Obituary: John Paris Watt – Bata Shoe Co., Bresan Footwear (09/12/1944-05/01/2025) Howick, KZN, SA – It is with deep sorrow that I announce the passing of my father, John Paris Watt, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, who passed away at the age of 80 earlier this month.Born in East London in the Eastern Cap ...moreTemu and Shein: Their marketing is overwhelmingThe only equitable and workable solution is via duties.“I saw my wife’s Shein invoice in November. For a mixed parcel, it included 20% duty,” he said. “So the duty our business pays for imported clothing, which is 50% to 60% of our buy, must either be dropped to 20%, or the duty Shein and Temu pay must be increased ...moreBergstan: Less affected on the plattelandNeither of those has had an effect on my business. I suppose it’s because my stores are more on the platteland. The only thing that has an effect on us is the economy. ...moreFootwear Industry Articles
- Where are we heading as a society? From slip-on shoes to revolutionary shoelace solutions21 January 2025 – In a world increasingly defined by convenience and technology, even footwear reflects profound societal changes. The rise of slip-on shoes, led by innovators like Kizik, and the advent of transformative solutions such as Twirlys’ no-tie shoelaces highlight our collective pursuit of simplicity, efficienc ...moreThe future of workers in India’s footwear and apparel factories is uncertain, as growing competition from Shein’s re-entry into India with lower-priced merchandise intensifies07 January 2025 – Shein, the Chinese fast-fashion brand, is re-entering the Indian market through a partnership with Reliance’s Ajio platform, as reported by media outlets. The brand had been banned in 2020, alongside other Chinese apps, due to geopolitical tensions. Known for its affordable and trendy fashion delivered at rap ...moreThe rare shoemaker who had a passion for the closing roomObituary: John Paris Watt – Bata Shoe Co., Bresan Footwear (09/12/1944-05/01/2025) Howick, KZN, SA – It is with deep sorrow that I announce the passing of my father, John Paris Watt, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, who passed away at the age of 80 earlier this month.Born in East London in the Eastern Cap ...more
Leather Industry Articles
- Update on outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease in KZNPretoria, Gauteng, SA (27 February 2025) – The Department recently received test results confirming the ongoing presence of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) viruses in KwaZulu-Natal Province. Cattle at a dip tank in Mtubatuba have tested positive for FMD. These cattle showed clinical signs of FMD in December, prompting sample collection ...moreTransforming the leather sector in Ethiopia
A new leather processing programme, 42 new enterprises, 22 women's saving groups, and 2,876 young people with enhanced business development capacities—these are just some of the achievements within The Leather Initiative for Sustainable Employment Creation (LISEC).The three-and-a-half-year Leather Initiative for Sustainable Employme ...moreWhen there are so many real issues to be concerned about, why pick on an industry which does much more good than harm?While some animal welfare organisations are the prime motivators behind anti-leather campaigns, they rely on others to cave in to their campaigns. London Fashion Week this year banned reptile leather. ...more
PPE Industry Articles
- SGS to host 'Discovering PPE softlines solutions’ on 27 MarchGeneva, Switzerland – Testing, inspection and certification company SGS is hosting a complimentary webinar, ‘Discovering PPE softlines solutions’, on 27 March 2025.The global market for personal protective equipment (PPE) is expanding, but it is also becoming more regulated. Businesses looking to ensure product complianc ...moreNew standard for PFAS assessment for consumer products ‘is useful for manufacturers, consumers, laboratories, and regulators’W. Conshohocken, Pa., U.S. (07 January 2025) – A new ASTM International standard will provide users with a road map for planning and executing assessments of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in consumer products and articles. The new standard, which will be published as F3700, was developed by ASTM&rsqu ...moreA guide for SA employers in understanding the COIDA Act and Reintegration Policy
Cape Town, W. Cape, SA (24 February 2025) – South African employers are grappling with significant new responsibilities introduced by the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act (COIDA) and the draft Rehabilitation, Reintegration, and Return to Work Regulations. Published on 15 June 2023, these regulations are poised ...more
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