UK-based men’s brands on upward trajectory
03/10/2013
“Northampton men’s brands were reporting expectations that business would be up 20% year on year,” John Saunders, the British Footwear Association’s (BFA) sales and marketing director, told footwearbiz.com. “Last year was a record year – Micam alone booked over £2 million so things are looking good for this year, too.”
The BFA supported 68 brands at Milan-based Micam and sees attendance at footwear fairs as “massively important” as the retail scene gets concentrated into a fewer, bigger multiple businesses at home. “British manufacturer and design is appreciated overseas, giving a chance for our brands to use this to their advantage,” said Mr Saunders.
In terms of manufacturing, a number of BFA’s member brands, including ladies, are now making parts of their collections in the UK. “International brands are also seeking manufacturing in the UK, and although opportunities are limited, demand remains high,” added Mr Saunders.
A report on men’s footwear manufacture in the UK, focusing on Loake, Cheaney and Crockett & Jones, will appear in the next issue of World Footwear magazine, published at the beginning of November.
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