French shoe producer sets base in South Africa

23 Jun '10

2 min read

Following the introduction of its shoe line in the country, French luxury shoe manufacturer, Pierre Corthay, in discussion with South African retailers, mentioned his thoughts of opening up a store in the country.

As per footwear industry specialists, the new company or joint venture will generate fresh set of jobs for the local sector.

As per company Chairman, Xavier de Royere, although, the shoe producer had a number of South Africa-based customers, there was no regular distribution in the country and therefore, South Africa was always taken as a key market.

Based in Paris, Pierre Corthay, is a shoe brand for men and almost all its footwear are priced from R 10,000 onwards.

Corthay's goods cater to high-end customers and for Corthay, South Africa was the market with large number of customers keen to buy these shoes. And since they have a number of customers from all across Africa, the company decided to make South Africa their centre point, informed Royere.

According to Executive Director of the South African Footwear and Leather Export Council (SAFLEC), Paul Theron, the new player was a new breather, further boosting the morale of the relatively tiny industry.

Currently, South Africa is in need of expert and excellent skills, and the entry of this high-end footwear retailer, provided just that, added Royere.

The labour-intensive footwear industry of South Africa provided jobs to about 15,000 people and was on its pathway to revival from several setbacks it had faced a few years ago, informed Theron.

South Africa footwear industry in 2009, exported 2.5 million pairs of shoes, of which 70 percent were shipped to other African nations.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk - India