Trends in Footwear Globally and in India

In the Indian fashion scene, footwear in accessories occupies one of the important segments, especially in the retail business. If the world market is seen, in the year 2018, this sector realized a revenue of $416 billion. Luxembourg puts in largest share when it comes to sales in footwear with a per capita figure of $284. It is followed by Austria and then by the US.

Trends in Footwear

There is a rise in demand for athleisure styles in footwear across the globe, mainly fuelled by aspirations of consumers in the younger age bracket. This is especially true of smaller towns and cities. The trend in athleisure is already high in larger metropolitan spaces but the demand in smaller or suburban areas is more evident now since there has been a lack of supply of such goods till now. Manufacturers are focusing on footwear for women as this segment has been increasing their spend-per-capita over one year. As women increase in numbers in the workforce across the globe with a higher amount of disposable income in their hands, they are looking to buy multiple pairs and varieties.

In India, there are certain challenges that the footwear industry faces. Production capacity stagnates in most of the workshops for which true potential in the domestic market is yet to be exploited. The country needs consistent and strong policies to overcome the main concerns. Councils and industry bodies have been urging policymakers to take the right steps at the right time. It remains to be seen how 2019 budget eases the burden of shoemakers in the Indian industry.

Indian Kolhapuri Brand Gets a Boost

Kolhapuri chappal is a footwear brand that has been around for quite some time, being a Maharashtrian venture. This brand, especially the chappal, has been given a geographical indication or GI tag. The move will help boost sales across the country as well as abroad. The GI tag has been approved for this footwear brand in four districts of Karnataka along with Maharashtra.

GI Tag and its BenefitsThere are certain significances of getting GI approval. It means that artisans, who make the product in different districts of Maharashtra, as well as Karnataka, will be able to market the same across domestic as well as international markets. GI tagging helps artisans to export these chappals as well as a tie-up with different eCommerce ventures for selling the same through their portals. Hence, their products open up to a larger audience who come online for shopping and entertainment and log onto sites like Leo Vegas casino India. Nowadays mobile eCommerce sector is growing rapidly as are mobile slots and their popularity.

Currently, there are about 5000 people in different villages in Karnataka and Maharashtra who work on these chappals. The leather-work and natural dyes that are used make these chappals unique but they are not free from copies or illegal sales. With GI tagging artisans will also be able to protect their works and prevent the illegal copies or sales of their works.

Putting Our Best Foot Forward

As is evident in the fashion and accessories market, uniqueness is that needs to be preserved and given its rightful due. In the world of mass-produced goods, the handiwork of artisans needs to be protected, recognized and due to prices paid for the same. Indian footwear that is unique to this region, its history and tradition need to be uplifted, recognized for the work that goes into them and artisans to be given their dues accordingly. All this would be possible when the right policies back up this industry.