Source: https://shoeinshow.com/episode/207-footwear-ceo-coronavirus-david-kahan-birkenstock/
David Kahan brings up an acronym in VUCA: Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity and Ambiguity, to delve into a discussion that isn’t centered on footwear solely and relates to all of our lives in every industry. The interview covers some of the problems for Birkenstock and addresses an issue that I’ve discussed often about how brands decide who they partner with.
Important takeaways for me:
Shame on COSTCO for undercutting Birkenstock, after the company had to already fight against Amazon, by purchasing the brand on the grey market. I expect this out of smaller resellers who run around buying Nike and adidas to flip, but to learn that a corporation like COSTCO would act like a damn reseller is ridiculous.
Vendors are more willing now to work with retailers and while this virus has slowed the entire industry, everyone should be coordinating and talking about how to come out of this time with a true plan of action.
Things I discovered about Birkenstock while browsing their site and listening to the podcast:
Birkenstock has Skin Care!
The Kyoto is the shoe Kanye wants to make, but he isn’t signed to Birkenstock.