S&V Footwear & Leather Goods Magazine
The S&V Footwear and Leather Goods Magazine is a free monthly digital publication that focuses on the Southern & East African Footwear & Leather Goods industry.
Since its first issue was published in 1935 the publication has been the leading source for news and information relevant to the Southern & East African footwear and leather goods industry. Our editorial staff are well known and respected within the industry and have a depth of industry knowledge and insight honed over many decades. In short we have our finger on the pulse of industry, enabling us to provide current news and information that matters to those involved in the footwear and leather goods trade. Matters related to technology, trade, import, export, manufacturing, design, retail and all other aspects of the industry are reported on regularly, factually and extensively.
S&V Footwear & Leather Goods Magazine Vol91 No5 May 2025
IN THIS ISSUE:
03 Upfront
- Some ideas to stimulate a recovery in local footwear and leather goods manufacturing.
09 Trends
- Boat shoes: Sales finally climbing in the US, but local suppliers say there’s no uptick here.
- Elan-Polo SA launches a sneaker range made largely from recycled materials.
13 Headlines with Tinashe Mandirahwe
- Skechers going private to compete smarter?
15 Evolution
- Swedish retailer wanted to ensure its European suppliers were a better fit than Far East – SGS assessment programme raised standards of a Macedonian supplier.
- Growing trend in the East towards factories staffed entirely by robots – rest of the world ‘being left behind’.
17 Noticeboard
- Obituary: William ‘Bill’ Ramage, formerly of King Tanning and Apeco, had a zest for life.
- Back in the day: Brian Zyster recalls range building by travel in the 1980s and 90s.
Advertisers in this Issue
Arena Trims (02), East Asian Import & Export (04), Freestyle Genuine Handcrafted Leather (OFC), Haesloop Agencies (06), Kaytex Belts (09), Leather Finishing Products (12), Saddler Belts (10), SAFLEC (07), S&V Calendar (01), S&V Directory (17), Shotland Packaging (14).
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Footwear Industry Articles
- Challenges in the global footwear market amid economic strainDiscussions in Hong Kong: At a recent network session with fellow Footwear Council members from a few other countries while at the APLF, the topic for discussion revolved around the almost flat line and dip seen in manufacturing and exports with no significant increase.Of course, the likes of India and a few others commented on thing ...moreSkechers going private to compete smarter?Skechers has announced its acquisition by private equity firm 3G Capital for $63 per share — a 30% premium over its recent stock price — marking its shift from public to private ownership by Q3 2025. Once the deal closes, Skechers will be delisted from the NYSE, and public shareholders will receive a cash payout. CEO Robe ...moreGrowing trend in the East towards factories staffed entirely by robots – rest of the world ‘being left behind’'While Europe is still focused on Industry 4.0, Asia is already gearing up for Industry 5.0, which emphasizes autonomy over mere connectivity.' ...more
Leather Industry Articles
- How do you know where to go, if you don’t know where you are?Many organisations feel disadvantaged by not having access to the latest international standards and expectations, nor the information and tools to assist them with how they can achieve the standards required.This is something that SLF has a mission to support – ensuring that any organisation, irrespective of size and scope, can ben ...moreGet the message across on World Leather Day, urges Leather Working GroupOn Saturday 26th April 2025, the global leather industry will come together in recognition of the fourth edition of World Leather Day—a global movement dedicated to celebrating leather as a material and promoting a deeper understanding of the leather industry. This social media kit can be used by Leather Naturally members and i ...moreUK Society of Leather Technologists and Chemists annual conference, AGM and dinner danceThe annual Conference, AGM and Dinner Dance of the Society of Leather Technologists and Chemists took place on 25-26th April in Glasgow.This year, there was a 2-day programme that included a field trip to Scottish Leather Group on the afternoon of Day 1, when 30 delegates had the opportunity to learn about SLG’s heritage and world l ...more
PPE Industry Articles
- The recipe for success and safety - the strategic value of ISO 22000 certification in the food industryDurban, KZN, SA (08 January 2025) – In today's increasingly globalised food industry, consumer trust and product safety is everything, but businesses must go beyond mere compliance and strive for excellence to thrive in this competitive context. ISO 22000 certification offers a strategic solution to achieve these goals, providing th ...moreBeier Group, Department of Higher Education and SETA ‘better together’Pinetown, KZN, SA – The Beier Group, which includes the BBF Safety Group, in December hosted the Department of Higher Education & Training (DHET) and the FP&M SETA for an oversight visit to ensure that state funds are being used in accordance with the Sectoral Skills Plan.DHET deputy minister Dr Mimmy Martha Gondwe and SETA ...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 ...more
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