Shoe brand Van Dal, well-known for its exquisite ladies’ footwear, has made the difficult decision to close its factory in Norwich. The parent company, The Florida Group, has decided to relocate the production of Van Dal shoes to Italy and India due to rising costs and a decrease in wholesale trade, posing challenges for the Norwich factory to stay competitive.
Established in 1936, Van Dal has a proud heritage in shoemaking and is currently the last remaining shoemaker in Norwich. However, in light of ongoing industry difficulties, the factory is slated to shut down by the end of the month, resulting in eight job losses for the local workforce.
Despite the factory closure, Norwich will continue to hold a significant role in Van Dal’s operations. Plans are underway to establish a new office and warehouse in the city next year, ensuring a continued presence in the region. Managing director Tony Linford attributed the factory closure to several factors, including the decline in traditional retail, the repercussions of Brexit, and the devaluation of the pound.
Over the past eight years, Van Dal has witnessed a notable drop in clientele, prompting a shift in their business strategy. The focus has now shifted from wholesale trade to direct-to-consumer sales, with the opening of a store in Cardiff and the successful launch of an e-commerce platform experiencing rapid growth.
With the production move to India and Italy, Van Dal aims to streamline operations and remain adaptable in the evolving industry landscape. Despite the closure of the Norwich factory, the brand maintains its commitment to delivering top-quality footwear to its devoted customer base.
For more information on Van Dal, visit their [official website](https://www.vandalshoes.com/) and explore their latest collection. Learn more about the company’s journey and future plans by following this [link](https://www.vandalshoes.com/index.php/about-us).
