Cape Town, W. Cape, SA - In December last year we took the decision to stop supplying retailers, instead becoming a full-time retailer ourselves. It was a decision forced on us by a combination of circumstances, and not one we took lightly.

Our numbers dropped right down during covid, but the principal reason was the exchange rate which, combined with a sharp price increase from the Hotter factory, meant there was just no wholesale margin.

Hotter UK had also had a big change when it went into administration – business rescue – on 18 July last year, and was bought by WoolOvers Group 2 days later – an indication that it was still a very desirable brand.

We already had a shop at Access Park in Kenilworth, and an online store, which has taken off quite nicely. As from July this year, the new Hotter range is available only from these stores. We are looking to open a second store in Centurion, which is good Hotter territory. 

Durban, KZN, SA (31 August 2023) - After five decades at its Pinetown facility, Bata South Africa has relocated its head office to the corporate hub of La Lucia, north of Durban. According to a release, “this strategic move aligns with Bata South Africa's future growth strategy”.

The distribution centre remains in Hammarsdale and the factory in Loskop. 

Johannesburg, Gauteng, SA - Formal footwear is struggling in the market. I believe that casual attire and therefore footwear is the order of the day. The other factor is the financial strain on individuals. The economic situation is a bigger factor than most of us realize. It will be difficult to predict when this will change. 

Port Elizabeth, E. Cape, SA - The domestic market for travel goods isn’t quite back to where it was pre-covid, but it has picked up considerably over the last year and half. There are also a lot of international tourists that are visiting South Africa again, especially in Cape Town. They are a market for our leather, business, and casual bag ranges. Over the next couple of years, I expect growth to stabilise as the travel market returns to a normal situation.

Among our strategies during covid was opening our own stores, emphasising outdoor under the Troop London brand as well as travel. They are also multi-brand stores, carrying products from other suppliers.

Starting in November 2020, we’ve opened 4 retail stores – in Pretoria, Port Elizabeth, Bedfordview, and now a second at Boardwalk in PE. A 5th is due to open beginning October in Edenvale – 4 of these stores have replaced travel goods stores which had closed during Covid.

To assist our wholesale customers, we started a B2B website where they can order online if our agents are unavailable.

Our leather product is now under the Journeyman Leather brand. 

Gaborone, Botswana - After a challenging few months following the government’s decision to put VAT back up to 14% from 12%, trade has been steady. Government reduced the rate in August last year in response to inflation and other pressures on consumers, but in May and June this year put it back up. We’re slowly climbing the graph and hoping we will maintain the upward trajectory.

We’ve been trying very hard with marketing to get consumers into the stores and to make it a pleasant experience for them.

Now that issues with getting the correct stock have been resolved, we’re really hoping for a good Christmas season.