Summer and export drive in 10% business of Itapuã

The Itapuã, Brazilian manufacturer of footwear, designs for this year a growth of at least 10% in production and sales. According to the company, the high would be driven by good time lived by the retail sector, at the beginning of year, and by the increase in exports, due to the appreciation of the dollar in recent months.
"Currently, exports account for 10% of the total sales of the company. However, we believe that the high-dollar can raise the index to 15% in the coming years, "says national sales manager of Itapuã, João Luiz Gimenes, in an interview with DCI.
To meet the demand, the company is studying the launch of 20 new product lines by the end of 2014, through its three brands: Itapuã, New Face and Itsandal. Among the items sold by the company are sandals, sneakers and boots.
"We closed last year with a production of 200 thousand pairs of shoes, intended for children, male and female. In 2014, we must overcome this volume ", highlights the Sales Manager.
Last week, the shoe brand participated in the 41st Edition of the Couromoda, fair for retail professionals. On occasion, the company estimated market 300 thousand pairs of shoes. "In 2013, retailers haven't bought much of industry, scenario that had not been designed by us. At the beginning of year, however, things are different, which leaves us quite optimistic, "says Gamal.
Last year, the company also suffered from the increase in costs tied to the rise in prices of some raw materials and the adjustment of wages. "We had to go over prices in certain lines. This rate was between 3% and 5%, "adds Gimenes.
Northeast High projections conducted by Itapuã in 2014 also take into account the good results registered in the northeastern region of the country throughout the year. "Currently, the Northeast accounts for 40% of our annual sales. Already the Southeast, is responsible for 30% of our business, "he explains.
According to the Executive, as the winter is milder in this region of the country, sales of sandals are high throughout the year, unlike the seasonality that affects sales in this category in other localities of Brazil, where winter is more rigorous.