If you make rounds on the Micam, Supreme or the Pitti Uomo, you may pass a stand of the Spanish brand Callaghan. A brand that is particularly noticeable due to their self -confident sneaker forms and their high proportion of men. The latter vote, at least for the international market, explains Ralph Haug, who is responsible for the sales of the brand in Germany. “Callaghan is a power in Spain, but also in Italy or Portugal.” However, this looks a little different for Germany. A look at the history of Callaghan: in 1968 the company was founded by Basilio García Perez-Aradros. The now over 80-year-old still stops in the company today and takes a look at the production processes, while his four children are responsible for the management. In addition to the main brand Callaghan, the company also runs the Gorila brand established in the children’s segment. “All in all, it is a solid family business, over the years,” says Haug. It is mainly produced with materials from the region in three nearby production facilities; The majority of the sole production takes place in Italy. Sustainability is important to the owner family: “We work CO2-neutral,” continued Haug. In 2018 the company published the first figures for this. In addition, around 6 hectares of land with trees were planted and there is a garden on the company premises, in which fruit grows “semi -professional”.
Another market
While internationally the men’s shoes are in focus, the brand in Germany is growing primarily with women’s shoes. According to Haug, it is correspondingly challenging to bring them to the German feet in the highly competitive market for the German market. “Germany is known for its convenience and trade comfort brands. It is difficult to get into the market with foreign products, ”says the sales expert. The current uncertainty in the market also plays a role in this: “The trade is less money available, and we notice that.” But how does Callaghan want to score? “Primarily about the quality and the design,” replies Haug. And with a streamlined offer with a focus on sneakers and outdoor. The main focus is on customers who serve higher prices, such as boutiques and department stores. But the brand also wants to make a name for itself in the higher -quality sports trade. With prices from 130 to 190 euros and new, innovative sneaker technologies, Haug is convinced of this, on the right track.