Green Cross takes new growth in its stride

Comfort shoe manufacturer Green Cross aims to open nine shops in the next two years, taking its total store count to 30.

The company's 21st shop was opened in the new section at the V&A Waterfront in November. MD Hatti Zeppel said the new shop was “doing very well”.

The company, which is entering its 33rd year, opened its first stand-alone store 12 years ago, but still has a presence in speciality outlets and pharmacies.

Zeppel said the company, which has diversified its offerings in recent years, aimed to have 30 outlets open in the next two years. Last year the company opened five shops and refurbished others. Another five shops will be refurbished this year.

The bulk of its sales, at 60%, was still derived from having a presence in other shops, said Zeppel. He anticipated a good year ahead, despite the difficult trading environment most retailers experienced.

In the quarter to last month, the company recorded record sales and year-on-year growth of 40% in Namibia and 33% in Botswana. The back-to-school season was a buoyant period for Green Cross, with school shoe sales up 56% on last year.

Zeppel said the company sold shoes geared towards corporate wear as well as fashion wear.

Green Cross makes 65% of its products locally, and was continuing to diversify its range and innovate to expand its client base.

Zeppel expects good growth in the next year or two.

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