Danish footwear brand Duckfeet will be imported into Australia by a distributor who believes the economic crisis could work to his advantage.
Melbourne-based apparel specialist Simon King believes consumers are thumbing their nose at fashionable shoes in greater numbers and favouring reliable, quality shoes that represent value for money.
This belief has prompted him to import the brand Duckfeet brand, which is popular across Europe. “My research tells me that the Australian market wants comfort shoes,” King said. “Whether it’s the recession or consumers are getting more conservative, I’m not sure.”
King likened the Duckfeet brand to the hype surrounding the Camper brand in the early 1990s, or Birkenstock.
“Duckfeet shoes have been popular on catwalks and sidewalks in Europe for more than 30 years. The brand has never deviated from its style – they’ve only introduced new colours in all that time.”
King stumbled upon the Duckfeet brand recently and said he couldn’t believe they’re not already being sold in Australia. He’s now searching for suitable niche stockists across the country to carry the brand, which will arrive in the country mid-October.
“These are quality shoes made with integrity. They’re really classic footwear that will do well in this market.”
Duckfeet shoes are a major brand in Europe, where they are hand-made for both men and women. The premium leather is sourced in Scandinavia and processed using environmentally friendly methods. The uppers are double stitched to an all-natural crepe rubber sole.
The shoes will retail for between $300 and $350 in Australia, depending on the style, while the boots will cost around $480. The shoes are sized between 36 and 50 and come in natural colour ways including brown, chocolate, navy and green.