Others News
- SHANGHAI: US high-end shoe producer Rockport Co launched its Shanghai outlets at a ceremony in the city last week.
Date: 5-Nov-2007 Sources: (Xinhua Online)
SHANGHAI: US high-end shoe producer Rockport Co launched its Shanghai outlets at a ceremony in the city last week.
Rockport has opened nearly 10 outlets on the mainland since September and plans to have at least 100 by the end of next year, as it chases its goal of becoming the leading leather shoe manufacturer in China in four to five years.
Michael Rupp, who will succeed Rick Paterno as president and CEO of the Canton, Massachusetts-based firm, said Rockport is targeting the rapidly growing middle classes in China.
Rupp said the company estimates there will be around 80 million potential Chinese consumers in its target range by the end of this year.
'Our biggest concern is that there is a fast-moving environment in China, so it's important to be always up to date. But it is not always easy to find the right place to be in,' Rupp said.
Rockport was founded in 1971 and acquired by Adidas AG for $3.8 billion last year from Reebok International Ltd.
The company will use Adidas infrastructure to protect its international trademark.
'Intellectual property rights infringement is an ongoing concern (for Rockport) not only in China. We know how to defend that and have experience in it. We are continuously aware of our weakness in that area and will manage it properly,' Rupp said.
Rockport has shops in Shanghai, Beijing, Shenyang, Chongqing, Kunming, Wuhan and Harbin.
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