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 "leather, footwear, and leather goods" industry.

In a simplified and easy-to-understand manner, saving you time while keeping you informed and updated.

In case you missed it, here’s a look at what happened in the Global Leather & Footwear Industry last week.

LEATHER INDUSTRY NEWS

50 Year Old Leather Factory Worker Found Dead inside Water Tank in Vaniyambadi

In a tragic incident in Vaniyambadi, Tamil Nadu, 50-year-old worker S. Vinoth was found dead in an open water tank at a private leather factory.

Missing for two days, Vinoth’s body surfaced in a six-foot-deep, rainwater-filled tank lacking a lid or safety cover. Authorities suspect he accidentally fell into the tank, reportedly while intoxicated, though his family has raised suspicions of foul play.

The factory, inactive for two months, agreed to compensate the family but faced scrutiny over inadequate safety measures. A spokesperson noted a steel mesh was intended to cover the tank, but no further explanation was provided.

Pangea Launches Bio-Based Leathers for the Automotive Industry

Pangea, a leader in eco-conscious innovation, has introduced Pulvera and Verita, two groundbreaking sustainable leather products for the automotive industry.

Both materials are about 90% bio-based, with Pulvera incorporating recycled leather waste and Verita using a compostable, metal-free tanning process. Pulvera reduces Global Warming Potential (GWP) by 40%, with 29% renewable and 37% recycled chemicals in its retanning process.

Verita achieves a 12% lower GWP than chrome-tanned leather, with a 92% bio-based composition. These innovations demonstrate Pangea’s commitment to eco-friendly practices and set new standards for sustainable luxury in automotive interiors.

LEATHER GOODS INDUSTRY NEWS

Coach Parent Company Tapestry Reports $1.51 Billion in Q1 2025 with $187 Million in Net Income

Tapestry Inc., the parent company of Coach, Stuart Weitzman, and Kate Spade, reported steady Q1 2025 net sales at $1.51 billion, with a gross profit of $1.13 billion and a robust 75.3% gross margin.

Coach led the brand lineup with $1.17 billion in sales, growing 1% year-over-year, while Stuart Weitzman saw a 2% rise to $53.7 million. Kate Spade’s sales, however, fell by 7% to $283.2 million, prompting strategic leadership changes, including appointing Eva Erdmann as CEO.

Regionally, North America generated $948.2 million, with Europe’s 27% surge contrasting declines in China and Japan. Tapestry now forecasts 2025 revenue to surpass $6.75 billion.

INDUSTRY INSIGHTS & ANALYSIS

How a Simple Makeup Bag Design Led to $1.5 Million in Sales in just 18 Months

I recently watched an episode of Shark Tank US featuring a product that aligns with our industry.

Meredith J., founder of Makeup Junkie Bags, pitched her patented & trademarked cosmetic bags for their smart, user-centered design.

Jurica entered seeking $200,000 for 15%, valuing the company at $1.33 Million.

Makeup Junkie Bags was founded by a true makeup junkie who was tired of wasting money on cosmetic bags that didn’t deliver.

- If they were wide enough, they fell over, sending cosmetics tumbling about. - If they were deep enough, they became a black hole where you couldn’t find anything you need.

- If they were pretty, the interior was not water resistant/washable & became dirty very quickly.

MJ designed her own pattern for the perfect cosmetic bag that lays flat on a surface eliminating the chances that the bag will fall over sending products everywhere.

Before she entered the show the products raked in more than $100,000 in gross revenue sales in the company's first 3 months and $1.5 million within 18 months.

Since 2016, the company has been producing 6,000 handmade makeup bags per month, crafted locally in Texas.

COGS

- Medium sized bag costed her $6.75
- Large sized bag around $7.50

She sold it for $24 dollars in wholesale and retailed at $50

Jurica got offers from Lori Greiner, Kevin O’Leary, and Sara Blakely.

Lori gave an offer for $200,000 loan plus a $1 royalty per bag in perpetuity & 5% of the company.

Meredith accepts Lori’s offer after Lori agrees to drop the royalty to $0.75 per bag.

But the deal didn’t go through post show due to differing views on manufacturing overseas.

Jurica decided to keep production local at her Texas facility, retaining 100% ownership.

Sales skyrocketed following the episode & the brand has expanded its lineup across the U.S.

These bags start from $36 now on her website & they even have these bags made out of leather which starts from $60

Till date they have sold Over 900,000 Bags and now in over 5,000 stores.

The CEO believes the lifetime warranty offered for each product & the fact that everything is still made in her Texas facility have given the brand the market edge.

Key Takeaway?

TV exposure (or any exposure as such) can be game changing.

Even without a Shark Tank deal, the visibility helped Makeup Junkie Bags build a strong brand identity, leading to sustainable growth & widespread recognition.

Isn’t it inspiring to see how a simple solution to an everyday problem can turn into such a success?

Untapped Business Opportunities for Leather Manufacturers in India (Here's Everything YOU NEED TO KNOW)

Recently Vasan Sai sir shared some fascinating insights on Leather News

Here’s a snippet from his article, highlighting key opportunities

Northern India has a wealth of exporters in regions like Delhi, NCR, Rajasthan, Western UP, Uttarakhand & Himachal Pradesh, all specializing in leather based home & office furnishings.

From Chairs, Working table, Table tops, Cupboards, Wall décor, Floor panels, Tables, cushions and many more.

But here’s the challenge

These exporters have immense potential to bag big orders.

But despite their potential, many of these exporters struggle to compete globally due to a lack of quality leather resources.

Many are forced to rely on traders who supply sub standard leather or stock lots, holding back their potential.

While they are part of the Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH)

They aren’t represented under the Council for Leather Exports (CLE), meaning critical support and insights aren’t always accessible.

Here is the Opportunities Highlighted by Vasan sir:

Vasan sir’s experience helping factories enhance leather sourcing & quality is a prime example of how the right resources can transform these industries.

Did you know?

EPCH organizes two major shows each year in Greater Noida, showcasing handicrafts and leather products.

This show is attended by international giants like Ralph Lauren, Polo, Fendi and many renowned International Brands frequently attend these events.

This presents a great opportunity for Indian leather producers to shine by supplying high quality, compliant leather.

In today’s market, global brands prioritize LWG certified suppliers who meet stringent compliance & social audit standards.

Supporting these exporters with quality leather could unlock major business potential for India’s leather industry.

You can reach out to Vasan Sai sir to know more about this.

Read the whole article here for more insights How Can We Unite to Shape the Future of the Indian Leather Industry? 5 Strategies to Make it Happen 

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❓ How can we better bridge this gap between potential & resources in the Indian leather industry? Share your thoughts

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Written & Published by Arshad | Leathernews.org

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