Why the industry is looking at Görtz with confusion

Concern in industry

Shoe manufacturers, meanwhile, are concerned about the events in Hamburg. The representative of a lifestyle brand describes the development at Görtz as “very mysterious”, not least because, according to the company, no one can be reached by phone. The brand said it withdrew from the collaboration six months after Görtz was taken over by Kissling’s company CK Technology Solutions. Another supplier reported that payments were only received at the last minute before a court debt collection procedure. Trust was destroyed and the collaboration ended. Another company continues to work with the shoe retailer as long as there is trade credit insurance – according to information from schuhkurier, a maximum of a handful of other suppliers are allowed to use this option. Others only deliver their shoes against advance payment.

Meanwhile, according to people familiar with the matter, other companies in the shoe industry are waiting for payments in the six-figure range for goods that have already been delivered. When asked about possible delayed or missing payments, Bolko Kissling told schuhkurier: “I don’t think that’s the case. If you look around our stores, there are enough suppliers there who all seem to be getting their money.” The entrepreneur added: “There will always be a solution for everyone who calls me. You can always talk to me.”