10 years ago, the Walheim manufacturer Sioux celebrated its last anniversary: 60 years was reached, 140 guests came. Around ten years later, the next big celebration was coming up – and with the 70th anniversary, 300 guests accepted the invitations. In the riding house in Ludwigsburg, not far from the large Bärenwiese or the magnificent Ludwigsburg residential palace and its extensive park, Sioux invited guests – both within the industry and externally – brand ambassador and film star Til Schweiger apologized due to illness.
For example, the district administrator and VfB board member Dietmar Allgaier made a plea for the company’s traditional history and at the same time its adaptability. “Today, shoes are a status symbol. The shoe and fashion world has definitely become more diverse in recent years.” Sioux has succeeded in combining tradition with modernity with his models and designs. “The company has developed over the years without losing the core of the brand.” With younger designs and models, younger target groups would be reached, thereby positioning the company for the future. “With this strategy, they were able to hold their own against their competition as one of the smallest remaining shoe manufacturers.” The company recognized the spirit of the times and applied transformations with foresight – while at the same time remaining true to its roots.
The journalist and publicist Roland Tichy compared the economic situation with that of 70 years ago – i.e. when the brand was founded in 1954. High single-digit economic growth and double-digit consumption growth are hardly comparable to the situation today, but Sioux still manages to assert itself despite the general conditions. “When I look on the streets, I only see stone-gray cars,” said the publicist. “With Sioux, I know we won’t just wear stone gray shoes.”
In a speech, Managing Director Lewin Berner also spoke about the company’s 70-year history. From the founding of the company by Peter Sapper to the insolvency proceedings of the company’s trading division during the pandemic and the subsequent growth in recent years, Berner covered all of the company’s major stages. At the end, he expresses his thanks to the “pillars that support the company.” These include, above all, the suppliers and customers with whom we have worked together over the years, as well as the employees, each of whom makes their contribution. “We didn’t do all of this on our own. Our loyal employees, our suppliers and our customers: They are all the reason we are here – they have all made Sioux what Sioux is today.”