Extending regular sales hours is the only way to limit damage
You are currently not receiving feedback from sales for the current S/S collection. Does this change or complicate your planning for the S/S 2021 collection?
We are working on the collection from Germany and rely on well-selling groups from last year, where we are redesigning the models or using new materials and colors. We also rely on our instinct for new topics, which we naturally develop on information trips, on the Internet and with material suppliers. There will definitely be a reduced new Dockers collection, as many shoes from the current collection will be carried over into the new season.
Are your supply chains currently interrupted? If so, what impact does this have on production?
The supply chains are only interrupted in India, which plays a minor role for us as we have placed 96 percent of the orders in other countries that are already working fully again.
Do you assume that you will be able to deliver the autumn/winter collections on time?
The autumn/winter collection must and will be delivered on time, as any delays will result in immediate cancellation...
Industry and trade fear tough price battles after the end of the lockdown. What can the industry, what can the trade and perhaps the legislature do to curb this? What do you think of measures such as extending regular sales hours?
Extending the regular sales times to the point of protecting prices through legislation is the only way to limit damage and achieve reasonably good sales. Unfortunately, well-known companies such as Adidas are already starting discount campaigns of 20 percent etc. on their own websites on the Internet. Large shoe chains have also already started reducing prices, so it is feared that retailers will follow suit. Unfortunately, as is often the case, the shoe industry is divided when it comes to discount campaigns. In my opinion, shifting the seasons closer to the wearability of the shoes (ready to wear) is the only way to make money in the future.
Where do you currently see the greatest need for action? What is the most pressing problem?
The biggest problem for trade/wholesale/industry is cash flow, which is currently causing everyone enormous problems. There is a lack of money in the coffers due to the value of invoices, overstocks and outstanding accounts. Furthermore, there is enormous pressure on goods because there is no sales time. Here we should think about opening the shops on Sunday.
