Finn Comfort managing director Ralph Wolter knows that the question of current trends and targeting the target group is a constant challenge. “A 50-year-old man today no longer wears what 50-year-olds wore 20 years ago. The demand in rural and urban regions also differs in at least not entirely insignificant details, which of course has to be taken into account.” In this respect, you have to develop further – your own company and the dealers too – without your own target group, which is a quality-conscious 50-plus can be defined, to lose sight of. “Nevertheless, I need to know: What is happening on the market?” Wolter continues, explaining in particular the role of order fairs and showrooms. “There is a lot of talk about what the trade fair situation is currently like. The question is general and very specific to the comfort segment.” This shows potential at trade fairs in the orthopedic sector. “This is part of our DNA and we will gradually intensify our commitment here.”
For the managing director, it remains to be seen whether the new date of Shoes in Düsseldorf will provide a breath of fresh air. Rather, the intention behind it plays a big role here – and who will ultimately be there. “Overall, despite good demand, we recently saw too few dealers there. At the same time, of course, there are far too few colleagues from the industry there to make it more attractive for the dealer.” In addition, it is mainly well-informed dealers who make their way to Düsseldorf. “But it is at least as important to reach the dealers who don’t come. They may not know what is happening on the market and therefore may not necessarily be better positioned in the future. Retailers have to want to be informed, we can’t force them to do that.”
