Edited by Claudia Schulz
Next year, the Rosa Valenz concept store in Bad Honnef (Germany) will celebrate twenty years of activity. A point of reference for customers in the area, but also a nice discovery for tourists visiting the area, who afterwards find out about the careful selection of medium-high quality shoes, bags, clothing and accessories sold online that the owner Anke Zimmermann selects with great attention. Rosa Valenz’s female clientele (aged 20 to 90) appreciates a very personal approach and likes to be well advised.
What’s the current mood?
“A strong September was followed by a toned-down October. Now, in November, we feel that frequency and demand are slowly picking up. Customers are already looking for their first Christmas gifts”.
What do they buy?
“Knitwear, knitwear and once again knitwear: scarves, hats, pullovers, both short and long jackets. We also sell raincoats very well, which are well suited to the autumnal atmosphere. As for the accessories segment, small-format leather bags for what is essential, as well as practical ‘handbags for mobile phones’ are very successful. Any bag under €100 is fine. More money is spent on unusual and high quality items”.
What is not selling well?
“Unfortunately, shoes and boots are not required as usual. If anything, customers opt for sneakers and rain boots. However, we are still awaiting delivery of some lace-up styles with warm lining and chunky soles. In the handbag segment, we are seeing less interest in shoppers these days”.
Are you also affected by delivery problems?
“Definitely. Unfortunately, many orders were not fully delivered. A problem that afflicts both European and Asian producers. Some models could not be made due to the lack of accessories”.
Do you observe any price changes?
“Yes. Definitely. We note that leather and cashmere prices have increased by about 10-15%”.
Let’s talk about the next season. What themes do you think are important for summer 2022?
“Fashion is always on the move, just like me. I like to face what happens, but above all what has yet to come. That’s why I like to go to Italy and visit the first fairs of the season, such as Expo Riva Schuh. The attempt to anticipate trends is also reflected in our shop.
For the spring/summer 2022 season, the sneaker theme is still strongly represented. Moreover, I believe in classic moccasins with particular elements such as eye-catching chains and knots. We have ordered a nice selection of comfortable and trendy sandals, in light tones, but also in tangerine and pink to wear on hot days. To match them, we offer large-format shoppers in coordinated colours”.
What do you think will be trendier in the next winter 2022/23 season?
“Women now appreciate comfortable footwear with a trendy look and the current season’s themes will certainly continue. I, however, believe that after the pandemic many women will want to go out and dress smartly. I therefore imagine that there will defintely be a comeback of Pumps, and also of finer boots and ankle boots. These are probably the styles that will discover the taste of women”.
What trade fairs do you attend?
“I like going to Riva del Garda to discover new trends in their initial phase, as I said. Italy is an important source of inspiration, not only for the fair, but also in a more general sense. I also visit shoe and fashion fairs in Düsseldorf, and Micam – Mipel in Milan. In addition to the fairs, I follow the various presentations of the collections in the showrooms in Hamburg and again in Düsseldorf”.
