German shoe manufacturer optimistic about the future
Jürgen Kölsch - Managing Director and owner of the family business CAPRICE
Shoes in the style of comfort, casual, sport chic today are at the peak of popularity, while it has become very fashionable and stylish. Mr. Kölsch, how do you assess the current position of the CAPRICE brand in the segment of comfortable shoes in Germany and the internationalhome market in in particular in Russia?
Indeed, for several seasons we have seen that the demand for comfort-style shoes has increased significantly. At the same time, consumer requirements for comfortable, casual shoes have changed a lot. Our task, as shoe manufacturers with great experience and vast experience, is to change the stereotype of the negative perception of the term “comfort” by many people for whom comfortable, comfortable shoes do not mean fashionable. Today, buyers do not go and do not choose between fashion and comfort, they want to be stylish, fashionable and at the same time not to experience any unpleasant sensations so that their legs feel light and comfortable all day long. Responding to this demand of time, in the new CAPRICE collection for the spring-summer season of 2018, we present the CAPRICE Comfort line. In it, we have collected all our H-Wide models, which show how fashionable and stylish shoes can be, which is very comfortable and fits perfectly on the foot.
With what results does the company end the season of autumn-winter 2017 / 2018? And what are the volumes of orders for the upcoming spring season? 2018 summer?
We finished the last reporting period with record indicators. The interest in CAPRICE products among buyers, thanks to the fundamental philosophy of our company, has noticeably grown, and this is gratifying. The trend of growing popularity of the brand in Germany and abroad, increasing sales, development in general has been holding for several seasons and sets us in a major mood: we are optimistic about the future. The level of sales of our products in the fall-winter 2017/18 season in German retail is significantly higher than the level of the previous season, the volume of orders for the spring-summer 2018 collection is also showing an increase. Thus, CAPRICE continues to be one of the leaders in the list of manufacturers of women's shoes.
Do fashion trends play an increasingly important role for the company?
Absolutely! The times when it was necessary to choose between comfortable or fashionable models are long gone. The general direction to which our production is subordinated today is the creation of footwear that has a modern design, in the spirit of fashion trends, sits perfectly on the foot and is made of high-quality genuine leather. Therefore, each season CAPRICE presents a large collection that consists of no less than 200 models, very different, comfortable and very beautiful. In each new collection, our team designers embodies current fashion trends, while interpreting and rethinking them in their own way.
What is the ratio of Start Up orders to the main collection? Do you offer buyers an extensive collection that is always in stock?
Thanks to the good reviews of partners in shoe retail and constant contacts with them, CAPRICE has significantly expanded the Start Up collection. In it, we can present in advance to our customers a new design of current bestsellers in an attractive price range. Most of our trading contracts are still concluded during trips to international exhibitions with the main collection. We currently offer an assortment that is not always fully available, but we plan demand and forecast the volume of orders so that our customers have the opportunity to choose from a wide range of available models.
What models and materials from which await us in the next season autumn-winter 2018 / 19?
In the next fall-winter season, CAPRICE will prove that true beauty lies in the details. Decor in the form of metal rivets,
hinges and exquisite jewelry create a noble appearance of shoes. Satin lacing, functional elements such as ela-
Stylish inserts and zippers harmoniously complement the design. The innovative finishes for the softest leathers create a delightful visual and tactile effect. The highlight of the collection is leather models with embossed “waffle” pattern in combination with metallic colors. The collection for fall-winter 2018 / 19 uses harmonious color schemes, metallic becomes a new classic, radiating calm and stability. Classics are mixed with modernity, and this non-irritating mix is a symbiosis of brilliance, glamor and self-confidence, characteristic of the image of a modern woman.
Do you think the boom in the popularity of sneakers and sports models will decline or continue?
Demand for running shoes is not weakening, otherwise there would be no queues in front of sports stores when any
limited model created in collaboration with one of the famous sportsmen. Of course, the share of sneakers in each collection,
where this type of shoes is, can change, but they will not completely disappear from our assortment. CAPRICE offers several models
sneakers in each collection, but we carefully monitor the balance.
Do you agree with the trend of individualizing shoes? What role can it play in the comfort shoe segment in the future?
We closely monitor the modern possibilities of individualizing clothes and shoes offered by retailers and manufacturers.
children, but for ourselves we do not yet consider this a mass phenomenon. Although there are interesting options, for example, it seems very
interesting supply of shoes with removable insoles. That is why we already produce most of our models with interchangeable
insoles to meet the needs of our customers.
Which of your latest innovations have been especially well received by customers?
CAPRICE launches the BLUE INNOVATION line in the fall-winter 2018 / 19 season. An innovation is the innovative sole and heel of BLUE
GRIP The first meetings with customers have already shown that the demand for innovations in the shoe assortment is very high, and, accordingly,
reflected in the volume of orders of innovative models.
EXTR4 - a new shoe brand from Italy at the EURO SHOES exhibition
PETER KAISER IS BACK! The oldest shoe brand in Europe will again be presented in Russia, Caprice Vostok CEO Viktor Kunz spoke about this in an exclusive interview with SR
HIT OF THE SEASON: THE MOST CURRENT MODELS FOR SUMMER FROM THE GERMAN FOOTWEAR AND ACCESSORIES BRAND TAMARIS
Heading towards Moscow - development of the MASCOTTE chain in a new concept
We are waiting for you at the Euro Shoes exhibition on August 26-29
The international exhibition of footwear and accessories Euro Shoes premiere collection starts in Moscow next Monday. Euro Shoes will be held in the capital's Expo Center from August 26 to 29 in alliance with the leading international clothing exhibition CPM Moscow. In one place and on the same dates, both exhibitions will bring together a large number of visitors, buyers and fashion industry professionals from Russia and the CIS countries.
EXTR4 - a new shoe brand from Italy at the EURO SHOES exhibition
Imagine a world where the barriers between urban style and athletic performance disappear, where shoes become more than just an accessory, but an integral part of your personality and lifestyle. This is the world of EXTR4, a new shoe brand from Italy created for men and women who live active, full lives.
Euro Shoes was a huge success in Moscow
The international exhibition of footwear and accessories Euro Shoes premiere collection was held in Moscow from August 26 to 29 at the Expocentre. Organizers and participants of the professional exhibition note the high level of attendance and business activity. Euro Shoes has once again become a center of attraction for professional buyers from different cities and regions of Russia and from the CIS countries.
Heading towards Moscow - development of the MASCOTTE chain in a new concept
The brand of shoes, clothing and accessories Mascotte continues to actively develop the network in a new concept. Updated spaces appeared in Moscow in the VEGAS KASHIRSKOE shopping center on the 1st floor (area more than 300 m²) and the Vesna shopping center on the 1st floor (area more than 400 m²). By the end of 2024, openings are planned in the Botanica Mall mixed-use complex on the 1st floor (area more than 400 m²) and in the ODIPARK shopping center on the 1st floor (area more than 300 m²). In 2025, the brand plans to continue to expand its network of branded salons in a new concept through consistent and methodical openings in new shopping centers and rebranding of current salons with relocation to larger areas.
How to differentiate yourself from competitors and earn more?
Online shoe sales are increasingly competing with offline stores every year, but they still cannot count on even a 20-30% share of sales on the Russian market. With rare exceptions, the cost of shoes on marketplaces is lower than in retail stores; for some reason, most buyers prefer to purchase a new pair, albeit more expensive, but personally choosing from the assortment presented on store windows and shelves. This illogical behavior of buyers can only be explained by the fact that each of them has individual characteristics when choosing purchases. SR expert on increasing sales in fashion Evgeny Danchev talks in detail about three options for a marketing strategy for positioning retail in the market, their advantages and benefits.
MUNZ Group: Five common mistakes when searching for line personnel
Mistakes in personnel selection are costly for companies. The time spent on searching, the investment of money in organizing recruitment and the lack of salespeople in the store increase the value of each correctly selected employee and increase the cost of an error. Munz Group HR Director Ekaterina Ananenkova talks about the most common mistakes.
Euro Shoes will be held in pavilions 2.5, 2.6 of the Expocentre Fairgrounds
Dear partners!We inform you that the Euro Shoes premiere collection exhibition will be held from August 26 to 29 at the Expocenter, pav. 2.5 and 2.6.
Time-tested and new collections
PETER KAISER SPRING/SUMMER 2025
Global footwear production down by 1,5 billion pairs in 2023
According to statistics from the World Footwear Yearbook 2024, the annual analytical bulletin of the Portuguese Footwear Association, global footwear production fell by 6% last year to 22,4 billion pairs. And global footwear exports decreased by 9,1% year-on-year, to 14 billion pairs, writes Worldfootwear.com.
A fashion buyer's checklist will expand your capabilities in creating an assortment for a shoe store
On the eve of the purchasing season, the buyer’s main task is to prepare for the formation of a new assortment. If we pass this stage efficiently, then we increase the efficiency of our work by at least 2 times, reduce the risk of outsider models appearing in the collection and increase overall liquidity and the share of hits. SR expert on purchasing and sales in the fashion business, Elena Vinogradova, shares recommendations based on her extensive practical experience as a fashion buyer, and has also compiled a checklist especially for readers of the magazine to assess your readiness to purchase a new collection.
The business program of the EURO SHOES exhibition will take place on August 28
After a break, the business program returns to the EURO SHOES premiere collection exhibition. It will take place on August 28 in pavilion 8.4 of the Expocentre, from 12:00 to 17:00.
Difficulties in recruiting personnel and how to deal with them
Many managers believe that by providing decent wages and good working conditions, potential employees will come to work on their own, and each of them will become an excellent salesperson. Unfortunately, this is not the case: applicants come reluctantly, and in most cases, none of them are suitable for the position of salesperson. Therefore, personnel selection requires a professional approach. SR expert in the field of fashion business management and development Maria Gerasimenko talks about the employee selection algorithm and non-standard methods of searching and interviewing candidates.
HIT OF THE SEASON: THE MOST CURRENT MODELS FOR SUMMER FROM THE GERMAN FOOTWEAR AND ACCESSORIES BRAND TAMARIS
The German brand Tamaris presented the Hot summer line with light and weightless models that are ideal for the hot season.
Working with an active audience on Telegram and VKontakte. Mistakes brands make when moving to new local social networks
We already wrote about how to work in the Russian social network “VKontakte” and the Telegram messenger, about the features of these platforms in the 195th issue of the magazine; the expert was digital expert from Fashion Consulting Group Katerina Diveeva. In this issue we return to this difficult topic again, as it is still relevant. Companies have a hard time mastering new platforms and tools through trial and error, but continue to work through them with their target audiences - with existing and potential clients, since there is no alternative: traffic and coverage in prohibited networks is steadily falling. With Katerina Diveeva, we analyze the most common mistakes that are made when moving to new local networks.
Louis Vuitton opens a new factory in Italy
Louis Vuitton has opened its second shoe factory in Italy. After opening the first one in Fiesso d'Artico in Veneto, the LVMH flagship brand has just opened a new production site dedicated to this category of footwear in the industrial zone of Civitano in the Marche region. There is also another brand production facility in Tuscany, where bags and leather accessories are produced, writes fr.fashionnetwork.com.
Effective methods that will help improve the effectiveness of sellers
Many store managers face the problem of staff burnout who work on the sales floor. Previous motivation schemes for salespeople - “salary +%” no longer work today, and therefore new ways are needed to motivate employees to work better, more and sell more effectively. SR expert in fashion business development management Maria Gerasimenko shares her knowledge and tells what motivation schemes are effective today, how to implement a new motivation program and accustom a sales team to it.
Results of the round table of shoemakers with the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation, CRPT, NOBS and Wildberries
On September 15, a strategic meeting of representatives of the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation, CRPT, the National Shoe Union (NOBS) and the largest Russian marketplace Wildberries was held at the Holiday Inn Sokolniki hotel in Moscow. Representatives of the Russian footwear industry also took part in the meeting.The event was aimed at discussing key issues of interaction between sellers and the Wildberries platform. Every aspect of the work was analyzed in detail, including news on product labeling from the CRPT. Questions sent in advance from companies received detailed answers from authorized Wildberries employees. The discussion was very lively and productive.
Health and comfort in Relax Anatomic dress shoes
For many years, the Greek company Relax Anatomic has been producing innovative anatomical shoes that meet the requirements of orthopedic doctors. The Relax Anatomic design meets all the needs of the modern woman who seeks style and comfort. Relax Anatomic shoes offer a wide range of sporty and classic shoes for all ages in high heels, mid heels and flats.
CAPRICE acquired PETER KAISER, one of Europe's most traditional footwear brands
Shoe manufacturer CAPRICE from Pirmasens has acquired the PETER KAISER brand, one of the oldest and most respected women's shoe brands in Europe. Caprice will continue the unique history of the PETER KAISER brand and preserve the essence of the brand. At the same time, maximum comfort and quality of materials will be maintained, a younger audience will be attracted, and prices will become more attractive.
A new look at Giotto. Interview with the head of the company Vladimir Timofeev
The corner of the Russian women's shoe brand Giotto in the fashionable metropolitan department store Trend Island became the first application of a famous Moscow shoe factory to develop and promote its own brand. Until now, the company has focused on sewing shoes for third-party customers and large retailers. Shoes Report spoke with the head of Giotto, Vladimir Timofeev, about its new strategy and the prospects for domestic production.
The international footwear exhibition Euro Shoes premiere collection was successfully held in Moscow
Russia's largest exhibition of footwear and accessories, Euro Shoes, was held in Moscow from February 19 to 22 and again became the main meeting place for fashion brands and buyers.
How the mule became a mule. A very feminine and relevant model of women's shoes today appeared in ancient Rome.
We continue the joint educational and educational project of Shoes Report magazine and the State Historical Museum (GIM), dedicated to the history of shoes and shoe craft. Women's mule shoes are fashionable footwear for rich city women for going out. The pointed-toed shoe was cut equally for the left and right feet, had a high heel and a durable sole covered in leather. Where did the fashion for mule shoes come to Russia?
How to correctly apply category management when managing the assortment of shoes for the marketplace
The assortment management tool “Category Management” is gaining momentum, and almost every fashion businessman has either implemented category management or outlined a plan for its implementation. Category management (CM) is exactly the tool that is useful offline and can guarantee an increase in sales in this direction. But is it possible to apply and implement CM to work with assortment on marketplaces? The question is answered by a regular author of SR - an expert on work and assortment management in fashion retail, analyst and consultant Emina Ponyatova.
Shoe educational program: what shoe soles are made of
“What is the difference between TEP and EVA? What does tunit promise me? Is PVC glue? What is the sole of these shoes made of? ”- the modern buyer wants to know everything. In order not to smash his face in front of him and be able to explain whether such a sole suits him in soles, carefully read this article. In it, process engineer Igor Okorokov tells what materials the soles of shoes are made of and what makes each of them so good.
How to set prices that will earn
Some businessmen still confuse the concept of margin with the concept of trade margins and set prices for their goods, guided solely by the example of competitors. No wonder they go broke! Analyst at the Academy of Retail Technologies Maxim Gorshkov gives several tips and formulas with which you can set not only ruinous, but also profitable prices.
Sales of shoes and accessories: effective techniques for business rhetoric
Which speech modules are effective in communicating with potential and current customers of shoe stores, and which are not, Anna Bocharova, a business consultant, knows.
We form the salary of sellers: expert advice
“How do you charge your consultants for personal or general sales?” Is one of the most popular questions causing a lot of controversy and gossip on the online forums of retail business owners. Indeed, how to properly form the earnings of sellers? But what about bonuses, where to get a sales plan from, do employees allow them to buy goods at discounted stores? In search of truth, the Shoes Report turned to a dozen shoe retailers, but no company wanted to disclose its motivation system - the process of its development was too complicated and individual. Then we asked four business consultants, and finally became convinced that the topic of seller motivation is very complex, because even our experts could not come to a common opinion.
Technology Selling Issues
There is nothing worse than meeting the buyer with the words “Hello, can I help you with something?”, Because the seller works in the store just to help. Criticizing this well-established pattern of communication with the buyer, Andrei Chirkarev, business coach for effective sales and the founder of the New Economy project, shares the technology of truly selling issues with readers of Shoes Report.
The whole truth about Bayer. Who is he and how to become one?
Bayer is no longer a new, but still a popular and sought-after profession. It’s fashionable to be a buyer. Buyers are at the origins of the emergence and development of trends. If the designer offers his vision of fashion in the season, then the buyer selects the most interesting commercial ideas. It is on buyers that the policy of sales of stores and what, in the end, the buyer will wear depends on. This profession is surrounded by a magical fleur, often associated with a lack of understanding of what exactly is the work of a buyer.
Fur, and not only: types of lining
In the production of winter footwear, various materials are used that are designed to retain heat and meet the requirements of consumers: natural sheepleather, artificial fur, artificial fur from natural wool and others. All types of lining fur have their own advantages and disadvantages. Let's consider the properties of each of them.
The best models of Czech shoes of the past
In Soviet times, for shoes from Czechoslovakia sold under the Cebo brand, customers stood in line for four hours and did not regret it, because Czech shoes were considered to be of high quality, comfortable and fashionable. Shoe designer Juraj Shushka shared a photo archive of his collection with Shoes Report magazine, which contains the most interesting Cebo models from the 1940's to the 1980's.
Retail Arithmetic
Before you begin to solve specific problems, you need to find out how accurately all the leaders of your company understand the basic terminology of retail.
How to fire a worker without tears, scandal and trial
Sooner or later, any manager is faced with the need to part with an employee. Properly and on time the dismissal procedure will save the company money, and the boss himself - nerves and time. But why sometimes, knowing that a break in relations is inevitable, we put off the decision for months?