Opananken On Arab Feet

(MENAFN- Brazil-Arab News Agency (ANBA)) São Paulo – In the early history of footwear, artisans in the Balkans region would stitch leather to the sole of the shoe with a technique they called Opanaki, explains Leandro Moscardini, international business manager at Opananken , to explain the origin of the company's name. The company now produces about 400 male and female models, which are now available in stores in Kuwait, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates.“These are newly opened markets, but our products are already available in Saudi Arabia, Oman, Jordan, Libya, and Sudan,” he says.

According to Moscardini, the exported shoes are 100% leather,“and built with our comfort and anti-stress design.” The brand's products are recognized for their unique assembly method and are recommended for diabetic patients, whose foot sensitivity is reduced due to the disease.“In addition to shoes, boots, sneakers, and sandals, we have the Arab sandal, a product specifically designed for this market,” he explains. The model was developed by Opananken in partnership with a client.“They sent us a reference, and we developed and designed the models using our technology and expertise.”

The brand, founded in October 1990, is present in over 40 countries, with 50% of its production dedicated to exports. Moscardini says each of these countries has its own purchasing preferences.“What we ship to the Arab market is not the same as what we export, for example, to Costa Rica, the United States, or Japan. Some countries only buy women's shoes, others only men's, and some purchase both.” Among the exported models, 70% are men's shoes, and 30% are women's.

By 2025, when it will celebrate 35 years, the brand plans to further expand its presence in the international market.“We're investing in international trade fairs, new clients, and products that meet these demands.” Domestically, the plans include opening more exclusive stores.“We already have the second store open in the country.” The brand's portfolio features over 250 models in the women's line and approximately 150 in the men's.

Moscardini says there are also plans to open stores abroad in partnership with some clients, whose names he keeps confidential.“But all of this still has to be carefully developed and planned given the slight international crisis all countries are facing post-pandemic, such as high inflation.”

According to him, people are buying less, and the market has become more restrained, both in Brazil and worldwide.“There's been a shift in consumer habits after the pandemic: People are spending more time and money on leisure and dining and less on clothing. Industry and commerce are sensitive to these changes, making us reflect on the future: What are the prospects? Where to invest, which line to launch, and what type of material to use in the launch?” he wonders.

Read more:
Arab buyers seek out footwear in Brazil

Report by Paula Medeiros, in collaboration with ANBA

Translated by Guilherme Miranda

The post Opananken on Arab feet appeared first on ANBA News Agency .

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