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Cape Town - Despite the challenges faced by some in the manufacturing sector, Chic Shoes is an example of a small business which has managed to buck the trend.
Chic Shoes, a family-run shoe manufacturing company based in Parow Industrial, has seen its staff contingent grow by almost 200 in the past two years.
Founded by Rachmat Thomas and two of her then co-workers in 2004, Chic Shoes has seen its humble operation expand exponentially since joining the Woolworths Enterprise Development (ED) Programme in 2011.
The company’s monthly orders from Woolworths have increased by 580% since their original once-off trial order, and today Chic Shoes' leather pumps are one of the retailer's most popular lines.
“Working with the Woolworths team has been an incredible learning experience. It’s been a challenge, and we’ve had to learn how to operate new machinery and spot new trends, but we’re now seeing unbelievable results," said Thomas.
"We’ve moved from focusing on saving jobs in the sector, to creating jobs not only for our own staff and their families, but for our greater community.”
Growing pains
Prospects haven’t always looked so good for Chic Shoes, which was founded by Thomas along with co-owners David Arendse and Ivan Meyer, when their previous employer, Olympic Flair, closed the doors of its manufacturing arm and they had the opportunity to buy the business.
Lacking in management and technical skills, Chic Shoes soon found itself floundering.
In 2009, with business having slowed significantly as a result of the global recession, they made a last-ditch attempt to steer the business back on course.
Persistent calls to Woolworths eventually resulted in a pilot order for Chic Shoes’ leather pumps which, with the help of the retailer’s technical and design divisions, were redeveloped in line with international trends and standards.
Following the enormous success of the trial run, it soon became apparent that the company would require substantial support and guidance if they were to meet consumers’ demand for their shoes.
“Before we started working with Woolworths, we only knew about traditional shoe-making,” said Thomas, who, along with her co-directors, has a legacy of 125 years of combined experience in the shoe manufacturing business.
Looking to the future
Chic Shoes is looking to expand to new, larger premises as the demand for Woolworths pumps continue to rise.
“We’ve gone from having 96 staff members in 2011, to 260 today,” explained Thomas. “At present, we’re running out of space to accommodate all our employees.
The Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) has also worked closely with the company and provided funding.
While the Woolworths pumps division of Chic Shoes makes up a large proportion of the business, the company continues to maintain a level of independence by supplying to a number of smaller independent shoe outlets and various government departments under its Bella brand.
Woolworths is also working with Thomas and her team to develop footwear for premium brands.
“Growing our business so quickly has been immensely stressful, and certainly hasn’t been without its challenges. But knowing that we are providing work for others makes it all worthwhile,” said Thomas, who is passionate about providing a sense of family and purpose for all Chic Shoes’ employees.
Share your experience of setting up a business or simply ask a question. Our business panel can put you on the right path.
- Fin24
Chic Shoes, a family-run shoe manufacturing company based in Parow Industrial, has seen its staff contingent grow by almost 200 in the past two years.
Founded by Rachmat Thomas and two of her then co-workers in 2004, Chic Shoes has seen its humble operation expand exponentially since joining the Woolworths Enterprise Development (ED) Programme in 2011.
The company’s monthly orders from Woolworths have increased by 580% since their original once-off trial order, and today Chic Shoes' leather pumps are one of the retailer's most popular lines.
“Working with the Woolworths team has been an incredible learning experience. It’s been a challenge, and we’ve had to learn how to operate new machinery and spot new trends, but we’re now seeing unbelievable results," said Thomas.
"We’ve moved from focusing on saving jobs in the sector, to creating jobs not only for our own staff and their families, but for our greater community.”
Growing pains
Prospects haven’t always looked so good for Chic Shoes, which was founded by Thomas along with co-owners David Arendse and Ivan Meyer, when their previous employer, Olympic Flair, closed the doors of its manufacturing arm and they had the opportunity to buy the business.
Lacking in management and technical skills, Chic Shoes soon found itself floundering.
In 2009, with business having slowed significantly as a result of the global recession, they made a last-ditch attempt to steer the business back on course.
Persistent calls to Woolworths eventually resulted in a pilot order for Chic Shoes’ leather pumps which, with the help of the retailer’s technical and design divisions, were redeveloped in line with international trends and standards.
Following the enormous success of the trial run, it soon became apparent that the company would require substantial support and guidance if they were to meet consumers’ demand for their shoes.
“Before we started working with Woolworths, we only knew about traditional shoe-making,” said Thomas, who, along with her co-directors, has a legacy of 125 years of combined experience in the shoe manufacturing business.
Looking to the future
Chic Shoes is looking to expand to new, larger premises as the demand for Woolworths pumps continue to rise.
“We’ve gone from having 96 staff members in 2011, to 260 today,” explained Thomas. “At present, we’re running out of space to accommodate all our employees.
The Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) has also worked closely with the company and provided funding.
While the Woolworths pumps division of Chic Shoes makes up a large proportion of the business, the company continues to maintain a level of independence by supplying to a number of smaller independent shoe outlets and various government departments under its Bella brand.
Woolworths is also working with Thomas and her team to develop footwear for premium brands.
“Growing our business so quickly has been immensely stressful, and certainly hasn’t been without its challenges. But knowing that we are providing work for others makes it all worthwhile,” said Thomas, who is passionate about providing a sense of family and purpose for all Chic Shoes’ employees.
Share your experience of setting up a business or simply ask a question. Our business panel can put you on the right path.
- Fin24
