Hotter Shoes to up production and expand store portfolio
Comfort shoe manufacturer and retailer Hotter Shoes is forecasting that production at its Lancashire factory will increase to 1.7 million in 2011, overtaking its 2010 total of 1.3 million.
The company claims that one in every three pairs of shoes made in the UK are now branded Hotter Comfort Concept following a survey of all UK based shoe makers by the British Footwear Association.
Hotter said it will be investing a further £500,000 in its factory this year to meet increased demand and is also planning retail expansion.
The company opened six dedicated stores in the south of England in 2010 followed by a further nine stores across the UK this year including Newcastle, Glasgow, Sheffield, Salisbury, and Stratford. Hotter said it is planning to have a total of 25 stores in its portfolio by the end of 2011.
Paul Sayer, Hotter’s merchandising director, said: “We have survived and thrived because we share a passion for products and service with our customers.
“In economically challenging times we’re discovering that discerning women are investing in long lasting, stylish and comfortable footwear rather than throwaway fashion that often languishes at the back of the wardrobe before making it to the recycling bin.”
Richard Kottler, chief executive of the British Footwear Association commented: “Hotter’s dedication and vision for the future has lead them to become one of the most successful, and innovative, British shoe manufacturers. It’s rare these days for a British brand to manufacture such a high volume of quality footwear on site, the planned investment will see Hotter go from strength to strength – this is British manufacturing at its best.”
