E-Kantipur

KATHMANDU, DEC 21 -

The Eighth Leather Goods and Footwear Expo kicked off in the Capital on Tuesday with an aim to promote domestic products among domestic customers.

According to Leather Footwear and Goods Manufacturers’ Association of Nepal, the organiser, the six-day event is hosting 53 stalls exhibiting footwear, jackets and waist coats, among others, made up of leather. Apart from leather products, other synthetic products are also being showcased.

Addressing the inaugural function, the association’s president, Hom Nath Upadhyaya, said the event is being organised to make customers aware of the improved quality of domestic products. “Of late, the quality of domestic footwear products has improved significantly and manufacturers are using latest technology,” said Upadhyaya.

Manoj Kumar Shrestha, secretary of the association and coordinator of the expo, echoed Upadhyaya, saying that people purchase imported products paying exorbitant prices because they are unware of the improved quality of Nepal-made products. “Therefore, through this event, we want to inform buyers that domestic products are better or at least equally good as the imported ones,” he said.

Underscoring the huge potential that the domestic footwear market holds, Pradeep Jung Pandey, vice president of the Federation of Nepal Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said development of the industry would promote other small companies manufacturing footwear accessories.

According to organisers, domestic manufacturers hold 40-45 percent share in the Nepali footwear market, while their exports stand at over Rs 10 million every year.

Participating manufacturers say such an event plays a crucial role in brand promotion. Rudra Neupane, marketing manager at Shikhar Shoe, said the expo will largely help them in marketing their brand. “We expect to sell 1,500-1,700 pairs of shoes compared to last time’s 1200-1300 pairs.”

Another major player in the domestic shoe market, BF Dear Hill is displaying its latest shoes in sports and formal categories. “We expect a 30 percent rise in sales compared to last time,” said Keshab Paudel, an attendant at BF Dear Hill’s stall.

According to the association, visitors are offered 15 percent discount on every purchase. The organisers expect 100,000 footfalls and a transaction over Rs 10 million during the event.

Posted on: 2011-12-21 08:58

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