The WORTMANN Group in Detmold is sending a clear signal to retailers and is investing around 20 million euros in the expansion of its logistics centre by building a new, additional, fully automated shuttle warehouse.

The aim of this forward-oriented investment is to enable even faster and more demand-orientated deliveries to the retail trade. This will double the delivery capacity for the German market and other European markets.

“In doing so, we are creating a basis for further growth. We are consolidating our position as a strong partner to retailers and further expanding our reliability,” says Jens Beining, Managing Partner and CEO of WORTMANN Schuh-Holding KG.

By combining the existing pallet warehouse with the new shuttle warehouse, large quantities of goods can be stored and transported even more efficiently in future, while smaller orders and short-term requirements can be processed quickly and reliably. This optimised warehousing opens up new service concepts for retail partners and meets their requirements for flexibility, short delivery times and high product availability more than ever before. One focus is also on further expanding success with carry-over and never-out-of-stock items, which make a significant contribution to the stability of sales in retail.

The fully automated high-bay warehouse built in 2010 can already store and handle more than 3.5 million pairs on 27,500 pallets at the Detmold site. The addition of the new fully automated shuttle warehouse will increase the storage volume for further growth by around 1 million pairs.

Construction is scheduled to begin in September 2025. Completion is scheduled for the first half of 2027.

Born out of curiosity and its exploratory nature, the Vans x Nicole McLaughlin collection is a concentrate of adventure. Known for her ability to recycle disposable materials into innovative and multifunctional designs, Nicole brings her playful spirit to this limited collection. Mixing practical aspects with her creative perspective, the collaboration offers a unique fusion of style and functionality.

“It is essential to have elements of functionality, mixed with a sense of conceptual art and style,” says Nicole McLaughlin. “Creating pieces that can be multipurpose, but also fun, has always been my goal. For this collection, I drew inspiration from vintage hiking backpacks from the 1970s and the aesthetics of outdoor gear from that era.

Part of the collaboration is the Vans x Nicole McLaughlin Slip-On RS, which features a typical backpack pocket on the toe and adjustable nylon buckles. The Slip-On RS is designed with durability and functionality in mind, with an upper made from 40% recycled canvas and treated with PFC-free DWR to ensure waterproofing, while grooves on the outsole offer increased traction on different surfaces.

U.S. Polo Assn., the official brand of the United States Polo Association (USPA), the largest association of polo clubs and polo players in North America, is celebrating its 135th anniversary, a milestone commemorating more than a century of leadership in the world of polo. Embracing the rich heritage of the sport of polo, the USPA’s 135th anniversary celebration focuses on the motto ‘Born to Play’. This theme highlights the adrenaline and athleticism of polo, both on and off the field, and invites fans and consumers to become part of this historic tradition.

For the 135th anniversary, U.S. Polo Assn. has launched a Limited Edition Collection that proudly celebrates polo’s rich heritage and tradition. The collection features the brand’s classic red, white and blue colours, enhanced with exclusive 135th anniversary graphics, celebratory gold and silver accents, and exquisite design and fabric details. The collection includes bags, shoes and clothing. Each piece features a limited edition hangtag, designed to commemorate this milestone.

The popular women’s shoe brand is expanding its range to include men’s shoes for the first time; under the new sub-brand, TMRS MEN, the range will be presented independently at the point of sale while at the same time benefitting from the high profile and familiar values associated with the “by Tamaris” promise.

“Our brand strategy remains clearly focused on the female target group,” explains Jens Beining, CEO of the Wortmann Group. “However, with TMRS MEN by Tamaris, we are utilising the strength of our core brand to strategically expand the range and open up a new dimension – one that integrates men as a natural part of this world.”

Whilst with Nowana, Tamaris is launching a lightweight sneaker that testifies to a new identity, while at the same time bearing the popular shoe brand’s unmistakeable signature style. This product launch marks an important milestone in Tamaris’ strategic orientation. The international launch is to be accompanied by a campaign that is unique in the brand’s history.

The brand introduces a new sporty sole, with a strong character and a thicker shape, but still light and comfortable. A perfect balance between functionality and understated elegance, giving a modern and irresistible touch to traditional footwear. Among the top proposals is a brand new Oxford model with double volume, while the moccasin remains the undisputed protagonist of the collection, declined in many variants: with fringes, with decorative details, mask and much more.

There are also ankle boots, Mary Jane’s, Chelsea boots and military boots, flanked by the sporty basket line, launched last winter and still very popular. Heels are offered in three heights: 25 mm, 40 mm and 55 mm, to meet every need for style and comfort.

This is how one of its distributors presents the brand: “Pikolinos is a very successful Spanish brand. Founded in 1984 by Juan Peran Ramos, it reaped its first successes in the home market. Shortly afterwards it began its foreign expansion, starting in neighbouring France. Subsequently, it established itself in the Comfort Fashion sector throughout Europe, also conquering the Italian market. Its models are characterised by wide fits disguised by streamlined lines. The insoles guarantee comfort and a sporty shoe feeling.”

Now Pikolinos is focusing on extreme comfort, that of walking barefoot in total freedom. To do this it has created a collection, presented at the last MICAM, characterised by a wide and ergonomic upper, an extremely flexible and sensitive sole that allows the foot to feel the ground. The components are of great quality, from the softness of the leather to the transitional insoles.

A ‘barefoot’ collection certified by Umana Biomechanical Analysis Centre.

Hidden White journey began with a vision to create footwear that merges minimal designs with uncompromised comfort, all while adhering to a mindful, modern approach. Designed for those who appreciate the beauty in minimalism and seek both form and function, Hidden White shoes are crafted to elevate everyday style effortlessly.

“Our commitment to comfort is unwavering. Hidden White shoes are engineered to provide a perfect balance between support and ease. Using simple design principles, we focus on creating shoes that feel as good as they look, making them ideal for people who are constantly on the go.” From breathable materials to cushioned insoles, each detail is carefully considered to enhance the fitting experience.

One of the strengths of the collection is the partnership with OrthoLite®. The Hidden White collection, in fact, uses insoles with the Eco™ Technology formulated with 12% Bio-Oil. OrthoLite® is the leading manufacturer and supplier of insole foams for the world’s leading footwear brands. By replacing a portion of the petroleum with plant-derived bio-oil sourced from castor beans, the insoles reduce carbon footprint while providing the customers with the comfort and performance of OrthoLite® products.

“The moment has arrived! So far, we have invested heavily not only in our home market of the Netherlands, but also in our core markets of Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium and Luxembourg. Now we are ready to take the next big step and collaborate with international partners”, said Pepijn van Bommel.

That is why the brand took part in the MICAM in February and says it is willing to continue on this path. The shoe factory, founded in 1718, is now run by the ninth generation of the family and holds the title of supplier to the Dutch Royal Court. For decades it has been the leading shoe manufacturer in the Netherlands, with a total annual turnover of EUR 60 million in 2024. It is the only shoe factory left in the Netherlands and employs around 150 people.

“We have been fortunate to record steady and continuous growth over the past decade. In particular, thanks to our online business, which has allowed us to compensate very well for market fluctuations caused by Covid and the many shop closures,’ says Pepijn van Bommel. E-commerce has gone hand in hand with other successful strategies such as the opening of several company-owned shops (12 storefronts) and cooperation with major players in wholesale distribution. And now, on the strength of its position, the brand is ready to position itself internationally by focusing on stable partnerships with strong retailers, distributors and agents.

“Our advantage is to be able to offer a fully developed collection for men and women, segmented between luxury and mainstream. A democratic luxury characterised by originality and quality, always at affordable prices.”

For over 70 years, ATOM has been designing, developing and manufacturing cutting systems for flexible and semi-rigid materials, always at the forefront in the search for innovative solutions for the footwear and leather goods sector. Just as health and safety have always been at the forefront, so much so that today the Vigevano-based company’s commitment to these issues has received important recognition with the achievement of ISO 45001 certification (with Accredia accreditation) of its safety management system, issued by the accredited certification body Perry Johnson Registrars.

The certification attests the conformity of the company’s procedures to the international standard ISO 45001, which specifies the requirements and directions of use for occupational health and safety (OSH) management systems, with the aim of making workplaces safe and healthy and actively preventing accidents and health problems.

‘Investing in the health and safety of our employees has always been a priority for us,’ comments Luisa Gaia, CFO and HR Manager at Atom Cutting, ’and having obtained this important certification represents a fundamental step in the path we have been pursuing in recent years.’

Doucal’s, founded in 1973, has evolved from an artisan workshop to a globally recognised brand, capable of combining Italian craftsmanship with British-inspired elegance. It innovates classic shapes and lines while respecting traditional craftsmanship and Made in Italy know-how. With flagship boutiques in Milan, Paris and Doha (Mall of Qatar), Doucal’s is present in the world’s most prestigious department stores, including Harrods (London), Saks (New York), KaDeWe (Berlin), Harvey Nichols (Dubai), Barneys (Tokyo), Rinascente (Milan and Rome), Lane Crawford (Hong Kong, Shanghai), Globus (Zurich), Beymen (Istanbul), Shinsegae (Seoul) and Harry Rosen (Toronto) – as well as a thousand other shops in 60 countries.

With the Video Manifesto presented during MICAM, Doucal’s wanted to tell the soul of the brand: dedication to kindness, craftsmanship excellence and a concrete commitment to a sustainability made up of short supply chain, artisanal knowledge, technological innovation and connection with the territory. The Video Manifesto celebrates a distinctive approach, where footwear heritage merges with a contemporary vision, always keeping respect for people, raw materials and the territory at the centre. A story that highlights how Doucal’s is not just a footwear manufacturer, but a witness to the most authentic Made in Italy, capable of combining tradition and innovation in an increasingly integrated ecosystem between physical and digital, in which the craftsman becomes the protagonist of this gentle revolution.

This important launch coincides with the renewal of the brand’s digital presence: Doucal’s inaugurates its new website, an environment designed to offer an immersive experience consistent with its values. A platform that is not just a showcase, but a place for in-depth analysis and dialogue, enriched by The Timeless Tribune, Doucal’s new Journal, available both online and in print.