Cole Haan, the luxury footwear brand, is venturing into the European market for the first time. Known and available in more than 65 markets worldwide, Cole Haan has partnered with Norgroup Retail, a Danish company, to pave its way into Europe. General Manager Peter Castella of Norgroup has expressed great confidence in the brand’s potential success, assuring that German consumers will appreciate Cole Haan’s blend of innovation, style, and performance.
The European launch of Cole Haan will commence in Germany, starting with the introduction of a dedicated website. Following this debut, the brand intends to expand its presence in other regions such as DACH (Germany, Austria, Switzerland), Northern Europe, and Eastern Europe throughout 2021. While specific dates for these launches have not yet been announced, the next countries on the priority list include Austria, Switzerland, Sweden, Denmark, and Finland.
Although Cole Haan is already available in the UK through its subsidiary, Cole Haan UK Ltd, the brand plans to further penetrate the European market. In the UK, Cole Haan’s products can be found at prestigious retailers like Harrods, Selfridges, Kurt Keiger, John Lewis, and Liberty.
Coinciding with its entry into Germany, Cole Haan will globally launch its ØriginalGrand Energy Oxfords for both men and women. Crafted with leather and nubuck uppers, these classic oxford shoes feature a moisture-wicking Ortholite footbed and GRANDFOØAM technology. This unique cushioning system boasts shock attenuation, energy return, and responsive cushioning. The price range for these oxfords in Europe will fall between €130 and €220.
Earlier this year, Cole Haan made the strategic decision to cancel its initial public offering (IPO) due to the uncertainties posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Initially, the brand had postponed its IPO plans in 2020 when the pandemic initially struck. Nevertheless, despite the challenges brought about by the global health crisis, Cole Haan remains determined to forge ahead with its expansion into Europe.
In addition to its entrance into the European market, Cole Haan has opened a new concept shop called Grandshop in Harajuku, Tokyo, which is dedicated to its Zerogrand line. Furthermore, the brand has collaborated with comedian and writer Hasan Minhaj to create a limited-edition collection of men’s hiker and sneaker styles.
With its expansion into Europe and the introduction of new products, Cole Haan is well-positioned for further growth and success within the global footwear industry.
Useful Links:
– Cole Haan Official Website
– Vogue Business Article on Cole Haan in Asia and collaboration with Hasan Minhaj
