The collection is one thing, delivering it to retailers at the right time is another. Josef Seibel Schuhfabrik can deliver all EDI message types; You can see this service in Hauenstein
as a “hygiene factor”, as Carl-August Seibel describes it. In the past few months, the product and delivery quality has also been significantly improved through various measures,
adds Franziska Seibel. Among other things, new software was installed to monitor delivery dates and ensure punctuality. All processes were also examined with a view to increasing speed. This is relevant because, in addition to the small production in Hauenstein, the company primarily operates in India (50%) and China (30%).
can be manufactured. Other models are manufactured in Hungary. Seibel is currently confronted with price increases in all production countries. Also in Hungary, where the minimum wage and also energy costs recently rose significantly. That’s why Hauenstein takes a close look at where costs can be saved. When the shoe factory in Hauenstein was extensively renovated in 2020/21, a photovoltaic system was installed on the roof, which covered a large part of the energy requirement.
Communication with retailers
Do good – and talk about it. Seibel’s management team wants to work hard to achieve this in the coming weeks and months. The field service should play an even stronger role in the future: as a link between retailers and suppliers. The company’s six representatives in Germany are “a strong foundation,” says Sylvia Klemens. Equipped with information and materials, they should explain the advantages of the new collection and point out Seibel’s services. For each order round, Seibel puts together extensive brochures and lookbooks in which the individual lines and products with all their features are clearly presented. “This is a good basis for the order,” Klemens is convinced. By the way, concerns that the booklets, which can also be distributed to consumers, show shoes that are not in the range of a shoe store are unfounded: Josef Seibel’s “giant warehouse” comes into play here – see above. “You can look in there and order the shoes; “They’ll be there within two days,” says Klemens. At Josef Seibel, it is important that the numerous features of the shoes are also communicated to the sales staff. Sylvia Klemens is convinced that Tex materials, comfort features and special materials are ultimately selling points. The company has therefore consciously decided to take part in the world of knowledge initiated by the association groups. Videos and product information can be viewed there by interested sellers. “We really want this information to be accessed,” explains Franziska Seibel. She also speaks from her own experience. The company runs a total of ten stores, including four of its own brand stores and six multi-brand stores. “Motivated and well-informed sales staff can make the difference,” Franziska Seibel is convinced. In this context, German retailers could learn a lot from the USA, where the service issue plays a much larger role. When it comes to service, the Hauensteiners want to be a role model: If a dealer has a question or needs support, they can contact us by phone or email. “We have a highly motivated team here and support our customers,” promises Sylvia Klemens. Images, videos and other advertising materials will also be made available to retailers upon request.
The framework conditions
Carl-August Seibel (66) is not just the head of the company; As chairman of the Federal Association of the Shoe and Leather Goods Industry, he is committed to the interests of the industry. The general conditions, he says, are not easy. The federal government’s political zigzag course annoys him. The increasing bureaucracy is making life difficult for companies, he says. Legislative proposals such as the European Supply Chain Directive and the Deforestation Regulation threatened to overwhelm companies. At the same time, the entrepreneur also wants to see things positively: “This is a beautiful country. We live in a wonderful area here in the Palatinate Forest. We can’t all run away, the entrepreneurs have to pull the cart out of the mud now.” The specialist retail offensive in the coming seasons should represent an important building block.
