With 25 years of tradition, Usaflex is currently experiencing one of its best moments. The company, headquartered in Igrejinha/RS, anticipates growth in both the number of pairs produced and revenue throughout 2023. To achieve this, they are focusing on expanding through single-brand franchises and investing more than R$ 36 million throughout the year, which will increase production capacity by over 28% to 36,000 pairs produced daily.
Ending 2022 with a revenue of R$ 520 million, the company aims to reach the figure of R$ 600 million in 2023, representing a growth of 15.3%. To achieve this goal, in addition to franchise expansion, the footwear company from Rio Grande do Sul has invested in expanding its production and significant media promotion of its products. "Recently, we achieved one of our main goals, which was to expand the manufacturing unit in Igrejinha, with an investment of R$ 36 million. This increased our production capacity from 28,000 to 36,000 pairs daily, a growth of over 28%," says Usaflex CEO, Sergio Bocayuva.
BFSHOW
Another strategic move by the company is its participation in the Brazilian Footwear Show - BFSHOW, a footwear exhibition organized by the Brazilian Association of Footwear Industries (Abicalçados) and operated by NürnbergMesse Brazil on November 21-23, in FIERGS, Porto Alegre/RS. At the event, Usaflex plans to introduce innovative technologies, such as the Gel Cushion and a comfort-focused technology that allows shoes to be put on without using hands.
According to Bocayuva, the development of this technology began in 2021 when Usaflex identified the growing demand for solutions that simplify the act of putting on shoes, offering comfort and well-being to consumers. "Furthermore, it's an inclusive product as it facilitates use by individuals with upper limb disabilities," highlights the CEO. He adds that the key to this technology lies in the shoe's anatomy, which features a rear piece - the counter - that offers a larger area for the heel to slide into the shoe, along with the use of innovative materials like niobium, which enhances overall durability.
Expectations for the product's launch are high at Usaflex. "Presenting an innovative product like this at an exhibition that aims to revolutionize the concept of trade shows in the country is significant. We have very high expectations for the product's reception because BFSHOW is an exhibition that not only attracts some of the major international players but also numerous retailers from major consumption centers in Brazil," the manager predicts.
Created to be the leading footwear exhibition in Brazil, bringing together all the industry's regions and segments, BFSHOW will feature over 100 exclusive brands at the exhibition, including Usaflex.
More about Usaflex
Founded in 1998 in the city of Igrejinha, Rio Grande do Sul, Usaflex is a pioneer and leader in the manufacture of leather shoes and bags that prioritize innovation, style, and comfort for women. With a production capacity of up to 25,000 pairs of shoes per day, the brand stands out for incorporating technology into more than 50 different product lines, which can be purchased through the online store, multi-brand retailers, or one of the 300 franchises spread throughout the national territory. By the end of 2023, Usaflex aims to reach a total of 340 stores in Brazil."
