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- Scientists from CLRI & Egypt Invent Leather That Stays Cool in Hot Weather & Prada Buys Versace for $1.38 Billion
Scientists from CLRI & Egypt Invent Leather That Stays Cool in Hot Weather & Prada Buys Versace for $1.38 Billion
ALFA Launches Webinar Series to Share Expert Insights in Leather and Allied Sectors & Caleres Reports $639 Million in Q4 Sales and $2.72 Billion for Full Year 2024.
Arshad Leathernews.org
April 13, 2025
Good Morning & Welcome to our weekly newsletter! Here, we bring you the entire week's global news, insights, market research & analysis, expert insights and facts from the global "leather, footwear, and leather goods" industry.
In a simplified and easy-to-understand manner, saving you time while keeping you informed & updated under 5 minutes every Sunday at 11am.
In case you missed it, here’s a look at what happened in the Global Leather, Footwear & Leather Goods Industry last week.
Topic: How Startups Can Transform the Leather and Allied Industries Through Disruptive Innovation
Date: 17th April 2025
Time: 3:30 PM
Platform: Zoom
Speaker: Mr. Chandran Krishnan, MD & CEO, Campus Angels Network
LEATHER INDUSTRY NEWS
Scientists from India & Egypt have created smart leather that stays cool in heat using phase change materials no synthetic chemicals used. Made from tannery waste, it's eco-friendly & perfect for hot cities like Cairo or Chennai.
ALLPI hosted a high-level meet in Ethiopia on April 8, uniting 21 COMESA nations to strengthen Africa’s leather sector. Key leaders launched a new strategy to boost exports, create jobs, and build stronger value chains.
A key webinar on traceability & due diligence in Pakistan & Bangladesh’s leather supply chain is happening April 16 at 2 PM PKT. Learn how the EU’s new rules (EUDR) may impact trade. Global experts will share tools & insights.
On April 8, CLRI met with CETPs, AISTHMA & tanners in Vellore to plan workshops on pollution control in Ambur, Ranipet & Vaniyambadi. The goal is to Promote cleaner tech & sustainable leather practices across key hubs.
Stahl’s 2024 ESG Report shows major progress 39% cut in emissions, 50%+ revenue from water-based products, and Living Wage certified. Plus, more women in leadership and bold moves like exiting wet-end leather chemicals.
AC Tech Association of Leather & Footwear Alumni (Alfa) community is all set to launch of ALFA Talks, a brand new webinar series aimed at bringing people from the leather, footwear, and allied industries together. This series will serve as a platform where professionals and experts can share their knowledge, stories & ideas.
FOOTWEAR INDUSTRY NEWS
Caleres saw an 8.3% drop in Q4 sales and 3.4% for the year, yet held margins strong and returned $74.7M to shareholders. With 75% sourcing moving out of China and a $105M acquisition coming, 2025 could be a comeback year.
LEATHER GOODS INDUSTRY NEWS
Capri Holdings is selling Versace to Prada for $1.375 Billion in cash, with the deal set to close in late 2025. The move sharpens Capri’s focus on Michael Kors and Jimmy Choo, while Versace begins a bold new chapter under Prada.
INDUSTRY INSIGHTS & ANALYSIS
Digital Marketing Startup Wubba Lubba Dub Dub Acquires Indian D2C Sneaker Brand 7-10
Digital marketing startup Wubba Lubba Dub Dub (WLDD) has just acquired a majority stake (over 70%) in D2C sneaker brand 7-10 in an all-cash deal.
For those who don't know, 7-10 is a homegrown sneaker brand founded in 2021 by Shibani Bhagat. They make sneakers for both men and women.
What's interesting is WLDD's strategy behind this acquisition.
"We want to understand each and every aspect of running and growing a D2C brand so that if I go to my clients in the similar space, I can offer them something that I have tried."
- CEO Arihant Jain
WLDD itself is a digital marketing platform founded in 2018 that helps brands boost their social media presence through meme marketing, short-form videos & influencer marketing.
On the financial side, WLDD is expected to cross $10 million (about ₹86 crore) in revenue this fiscal year.
This acquisition comes at an interesting time for India's sneaker market, which is expected to hit $3.1 billion in 2025.
Besides big players like Campus and Bata, several startups like Comet, Neeman’s, Solethreads, among others are competing for market share.
❓What do you think about this acquisition strategy? Let me know your thoughts in the comments
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Written & Published by Arshad | Leathernews.org
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