With increasing demand for flip flops in the domestic market, footwear retailers are optimistic about boosting their sales  Fashion trends keep changing according to consumer taste. It is often noticed that old trends are repeated in the fashion world. Apparels that were at one point considered as out-of-fashion can just be back as the latest style statement for the season. Long skirts, tapering jeans and floral prints are some examples of such ‘come-back’ fashion trends.Besides apparel, the footwear industry has also witnessed high demand for different kinds of shoes. In the past, consumers preferred to purchase footwear depending on the season or occasion. For weddings or festivals, consumers preferred purchasing leather footwear in order to maintain an elite look and for seasons like monsoon they would prefer to buy footwear made of rubber to prevent any kind of damage.
Emergence of flip flops in India
“Flip flop is one kind of footwear that can be worn with formal attires as well as casuals. Something that used to be worn at home previously is now regarded as a style statement and is apt for all seasons. Flip flops are ideal for the youth, who prefer to wear footwear that is stylish as well as comfortable,” says Anuj Joshi, proprietor of S L Pvt Ltd, a small-sized manufacturer of footwear in Gurgaon. Mr Joshi added, with the emergence of capris, consumers are increasingly opting to wear flip flops with the garment. However, shorts and flip flops are always the best combination for the young generation.
Youth has always been the target for retailers. In the footwear industry too, manufacturers ensure that products are created keeping in mind the requirement of the youth.
The demand for flip flops is seen to be growing in the domestic retail market. As a result, designers, who noticed this emerging trend, have taken interest in creating unique flip flops, which are available in different colours and designs to suit consumers of all age groups. These flip flops are available in heels as well as flats in order to cater to consumer requirements. The soles of flip flops are made from different raw materials such as rubber, leather, wood or plastic in different designs. Therefore, consumers can choose from simple to intricately designed flip flops, which are decorated with beads, sequence work or animal prints.
Road ahead
“With the popularity of flip flops, it has been noticed that there are certain footwear companies that only sell flip flops. In fact, footwear companies selling flips flops have widened their infrastructure and increased their manufacturing unit in order to cater to the rising consumer demand as flip flops are now regarded as an essential item in one’s wardrobe,” says Dheeraj Gupta, proprietor of Shiva Ltd, a mid-sized footwear manufacturer and exporter in Thane.
Flip flops are available in different price range in order to suit consumer budget. One can purchase flip flops from malls as well as street shops. Consumers can purchase these products at price points ranging from Rs 100-1,000, depending on the quality of the product. However, with demand for flips flops rising among women, sales of the same are expected to surge in the domestic market.
Sabrina Mitchell |
