Ekko shoes whose brand. History of ECCO. Where are Ecco factories located?

Ecco is a brand of the company of the same name from Denmark, which produces men's, women's and children's shoes, as well as accessories and shoe care products. Both natural materials (various leathers) and synthetic ones (polyurethane, polyester) are used. The quality is quite high for its segment. The price category is above average. There is a wide range, but in some branded stores it is far from fully represented.

Story

Ecco was founded by Danish entrepreneur Karl Toosby in 1963. From the very beginning, Ecco's goal was to create comfortable and functional shoes, using innovative technologies as much as possible. The design was based on Scandinavian traditions, that is, it was minimalistic and sometimes boring.

The company grew rather slowly at first; success came to her in the 1970s. The year 1974 was marked by the beginning of the transfer of production to developing countries- a plant was opened in Brazil. Somewhat later, the equipment of the Danish factory was modified, simplifying the production process. In 1981, the company's robotic plant was opened in Japan. And in 1982, the first Ecco brand store opened in Denmark.

The 1980s were marked by an intensive expansion of the Ecco factory network: in 1984, a company opened in Portugal, in 1988 in Czechoslovakia, in 1990 in the USA. At the same time, there is a significant expansion of the sales network: Ecco shoes began to be sold almost throughout Europe, including in countries whose citizens take the quality of the goods they buy very seriously: in Austria, Germany, Sweden.

On Russian market Ecco came in 1991; the same year was marked by obtaining the status of official supplier to the Royal Court of Denmark. New factories are opening in Indonesia and Argentina, and in 1993 in Thailand. The production of children's shoes begins.

By now, the number of factories has been reduced: production has ceased in countries with very expensive labor. Only enterprises in Slovakia, Thailand, China and Indonesia remain.

In 2009, Ecco introduced a new collection of shoes for people leading an active lifestyle - Biom sneakers, designed taking into account the anatomical features of people's feet and positioned as the most comfortable sneakers on the market.

In Russia, Ecco shoes became very popular among the middle class, the network of branded stores rapidly expanded: in 2008, the 200th Ecco store opened in Russia; the same year was marked by the launch of a branded online store. In 2011, Ecco comes to Kazakhstan.

Currently, there are more than a thousand Ecco stores in the world in 97 countries, including the USA, Canada, most European and Asian countries. The company employs more than 17 thousand employees, and it is still managed by the Toosby family - Karl Toosby's daughter Hanni Toosby Kapshak and her husband Dieter Kapshak.

Range

The Ecco model range includes a wide variety of shoes - both classic, in a more or less business (official) style, and casual ones; There is even sportswear - boots and sneakers. The colors are mainly black and brown, gray is less common, and purple, green, and blue are even less common. There are quite interesting design solutions, but not always: there are many boring models.

Upper materials used: nubuck, suede, smooth skin(usually cattle, less often yak); outsole materials: polyurethane and tunit (a type of rubber). Here it must be said that, strictly speaking, classic Ecco men's shoes are not such, since their soles are made of polyurethane, and not leather, as befits a classic. Ecco's pads are also not quite classic.

At the same time, it is worth noting that a polyurethane sole is more practical than a leather one, and the Ecco company is focused on producing practical shoes- mainly for city dwellers leading an active lifestyle. The design of Ecco shoes is vulcanized, very durable (read more about shoe designs).

The quality of Ecco's shoes is quite high, although Lately complaints have become more frequent. Ecco shoes are also distinguished by a comfortable, but not very elegant last (if we are talking about men's shoes); It allows air to pass through well and practically does not get wet (some models have a special membrane). There are, however, several unsuccessful models: be careful when trying on and buying.

Personal impressions. Reviews

My experience wearing Ecco shoes has been positive. Yes, these are very comfortable shoes that retain their functionality for a long time. appearance(if you treat it carefully), it serves reliably, does not get wet, and gives the impression of being reliable and of high quality. Separately, I would like to note the high level of service in Ecco stores, qualified and attentive salespeople. However, the design of these shoes is not too classic and not too elegant, in my opinion.

On the Internet you can find the most different reviews; most of them, however, are still positive. Many note convenience and comfort, wear resistance. They complain about cracked soles, calluses, and boring design. The problem with calluses, in fact, is easily solved - you need to select shoes exactly in size and immediately evaluate the sensations when trying them on. Yes, it is possible that the Ecco block will not suit someone - then you need to go to other stores. It’s the same with the design - if it seems boring, it’s better to pay attention to other brands.

Brief summary:

Shoe styles : classic, sporty, casual.
Range : shoes (shoes, shoes, boots, sneakers), bags, belts, wallets, umbrellas, caps, socks, shoe care products.
Shoesfor men, women, children .
Dimensions : women's - from 36 to 41, men's - from 39 to 47, children's - from 27 to 39.
Materials : natural - smooth leather, nubuck, suede; synthetic - polyester, polyurethane.
Price category : above average.
Discount program : loyalty card: 5% discount (except for discounted models) for total purchases on the card up to 27,000 rubles, 10% discount for total purchases of 27,000-54,000 rubles, 15% discount for total purchases over 54,000 rubles.

Approximate prices (at the end of October 2012):

Men's shoes - 4700-8000 rubles
Men's boots - from 5,000 rubles (demi-season) to 7,000 rubles (winter)
Women's shoes - 4700-5300 rubles
Women's boots - from 5,000 rubles (demi-season) to 11,000 rubles (winter)
Children's shoes - 2900-3500 rubles
Children's boots - 3000-4400 rubles (demi-season), 3700-4700 rubles (winter)
Sneakers (men's, women's) - 4500-10000 rubles
Sneakers (children) - 3000-4400 rubles
Men's bags - 2500-6500 rubles
Women's bags - 2800-10000 rubles
Belts - 2500-3000 rubles
Umbrellas - 600-2000 rubles
Caps - 240 rubles
Socks - 300-700
Shoe polish - 250-400 rubles

Links : official Russian website ;

The world famous Danish brand Ecco was opened by Karl Toosby in 1963. It all started with the opening of a small factory producing comfortable shoes, which was a great success in Denmark, and then in other countries of the world.

Ecco is famous for the simplicity and quality of its products. Among the products produced by the company are: shoes, accessories, bags, wallets, etc. But it enjoys great success leather shoes starting from classics to sports models.

The product manufacturing process undergoes thorough testing; the company controls all stages of production and sales of the product. Starting from tanning the leather and ending with trying on the finished product. Ecco is the only company that pays such significant attention to the production stages. And also one of the largest suppliers of high-quality leather. Transport seats and furniture are also made from it.

Products are made from soft skin yak, which once again confirms the reliability and durability of the products.

Innovative technologies are used in the production of the product. The design of the sole of the model allows your feet not to get tired during prolonged exercise, and with the help of the Gore-Tex membrane, you don’t have to worry about sweating, because... it blocks moisture. In such shoes, your feet breathe and feel comfortable.

Comfortable casual and sports shoes for the whole family. This brand is bought by people who lead an active lifestyle and value comfort and style without frills. Ecco was founded in Denmark, and the first factory opened in 1963 in Bredebro.

Today, Ecco's production capacity is much larger: factories producing shoes are open all over the world. Despite strict control, the quality of goods made in third world countries may be inferior to analogues from European factories. That is why attentive buyers are interested in the country of origin of each pair that they like.

Where are Ecco factories located?

Since you can buy Ecco brand shoes in 50 countries around the world, the company has to enter into contracts with numerous plants and factories to meet demand. Where are these comfortable shoes made that meet European standards quality?

In 1974, part of Ecco's production lines was moved to Brazil, thereby optimizing tailoring costs. Then the factories of the former Czechoslovakia received a license (by the way, they continue to operate to this day), and a subsidiary was opened in Austria. In 1991, contracts were signed for sewing shoe uppers in Southeast Asia and South America, and franchise production was launched in Argentina. By 2005, subsidiaries were opened in Hong Kong, Poland and Belgium, and the most modern factory for the production of branded shoes was built in China.

Currently, in addition to franchise enterprises, ecco shoe uppers are produced at its own facilities in China, Slovakia, Thailand, Portugal and Indonesia. The company's headquarters are still located in Copenhagen.

A Test Center has also been opened there to improve the most popular lines of Ecco shoes and create new collections.

Unique features of Ecco shoes

Ecco branded shoes, boots and sneakers are made primarily from natural materials, including especially delicate calfskin, used for sewing dress shoes. The insoles are made from plant fibers, and the soles are made from rubber with special impurities that make the capricious material less sensitive to temperature changes.

Natural materials ensure the safety of shoes for children and their durability.

In Ecco brand stores, it is easiest to find shoes with a comfortable last, since when developing new series, all possible features anatomy of the foot. In addition, the sole of the shoe is very light, flexible and has shock-absorbing properties, so your feet will not get tired even after long walks.

Sources:

Ekko, information for buyers
Ekko, company history

Shoes famous throughout the world for their comfort and environmental friendliness trademark ECCO a few decades ago was nothing more than a small-town idea.

Back in 1963, unknown to anyone at that time, the manager of one of the small shoe shops in Copenhagen - Carl Toosby , founded his own business by purchasing an empty factory, which was located in the south of Denmark. The conditions for starting a new business were favorable, there was enough labor in the city, and local authorities were interested in the prospect of expanding the local economy, and especially in receiving new investments.

This is how the ECCO company was born, which has existed to this day for more than 50 years. It exceeded all expectations, the factory in Bredebro is now one of the largest and employs a huge number of workers, and the name of the founder of one of the world's largest shoe companies will remain in history.

But to maintain competitiveness it was necessary to expand the business, for this reason the company's branches were opened in other countries, the first was a factory for the production of uppers shoes in Brazil, and later in Denmark a company for the production of high-tech materials was opened, also under the leadership of the ECCO company.

In 1981, ECCO began its active expansion in European countries and stormed the market, a subsidiary was opened in Germany, and a year later the company received a license to produce shoes in Japan, but the specialists remained the same, from the Danish company.

So until the 90s, ECCO expanded its production throughout Europe, and in 1990 they opened their own representative office in the USA. ECCO supplier to the Royal Household of Denmark.

Shoes from this company first appeared in Russia in 1993, presenting a whole line of different models, both adult and children's shoes.

Thus, the ECCO company, after so long after its appearance and recognition, has its branches and factories almost all over the world, some of them specialize in the production individual materials, which are supplied to other countries and ready-made products are made from them. The number of stores in Russia is expanding every year, and new branches are also appearing in neighboring countries.

Today, one of the most popular brands producing casual shoes is the Danish company ECCO. It is her shoes that combine functionality and comfort at the same time. The industrial enterprises of this company are located both in Europe and in some Asian countries. At the same time, the network of its branded stores is distributed throughout the world. It is worth noting that only this large company, which produces shoes, has established waste-free production, which allows you to significantly not only reduce waste every month, but also save on diesel fuel, since it is obtained in the process of processing waste from tanneries.

History of brand development

ECCO owes its birth to Karl Toosby, who purchased the Bredebro plant in southern Denmark in 1963. It was on its basis that he opened his own business and became the first manager of this shoe company.

Already in 1970, thanks to the daily work of many designers, the first ECCO brand shoes were released, which were distinguished by their comfort and functionality. It is these two features of this shoe that have been the main ones in the manufacturing process for many years now.

But, as you know, any product needs appropriate advertising, and since the company had some financial difficulties during this period, it was proposed to stamp the company logo both on the top of the shoe and on its sole. Thus, the shoe company ECCO in this industry became the pioneer of such a fairly simple and cheap advertising of its products.

After another line of Soft shoes was introduced in 1981, the company had the opportunity to expand. And in the same year, in Germany, it opens its first branch, Eccolet Sko GmbH. And in 1982, an enterprise from ECCO appeared in Japan. The same shoe models are produced in this country, but with the help of Japanese robotic equipment. It is worth noting that 1984 for the company was marked by the opening new factory in Portugal and licensed production in Cyprus. Subsequently, ECCO opened similar enterprises in Sweden and Belgium. In addition, branches appeared in the USA, Austria and Poland. In turn, Argentina and Czechoslovakia received permission from the ECCO brand, thereby they were able to begin producing shoes using the company’s technology.

The most memorable year for ECCO was 1998, during which the brand’s founder was awarded the title of Knight of Dannebro. This award was presented by Queen Margrethe II herself. Also this year, a sculpture in the form of a foot, created by Peter Brandes, was installed in Tenner, near the headquarters of the ECCO company. In a short period of time, this new monument could become not only a symbol of this Fashion House, but also one of the main attractions of the city.

The following year was significant for ECCO as it held its first charity event in support of the environment. The organizer of this evening was not only this brand, but also the Wildlife Protection Fund. This idea was also supported by the Cardiology Association and Street Kids International. During this event, a walking marathon was held, the length of which was about ten kilometers. It should be noted that now such charity evenings are traditional for the ECCO brand.

The beginning of 2007 was marked by the release of a new collection from the ECCO brand. These models were intended for people who prefer active recreation. To create models for this collection, the company's designers used natural and durable yak leather.

In mid-2008, the first company store under the ECCO brand opened in St. Petersburg. And this despite the fact that such shoes first appeared in Russia in early 1991. In addition to Russian representatives, employees of the Danish Embassy were also present at the opening. In the same year, the official website of the ECCO brand was created on the World Wide Web, where everyone could purchase shoes of this brand on-line. Due to its popularity, the ECCO brand became the official shoe supplier for the Kingdom of Denmark in 1991.

Despite the recently released shoe line, the ECCO brand introduces new BIOM models in 2009. This collection is also suitable for an active lifestyle. But its difference is that it takes into account all the features of the foot. Throughout 2011, several more new stores of this company were opened in Russia and Kazakhstan.

Shoe design and features from ECCO

During the first years after its opening, the ECCO brand worked with designers who were developing shoe models for age category more than twenty-five years. At the same time, traditions and features of the company were laid. But over time, I had to lower the age limit to twenty years. For these purposes, new designers were brought in who were able not only to follow the main direction in the style of ECCO shoes, but also to increase its popularity. Today, quite a few shoe collections from the ECCO brand have been released, but the most popular are:

City. Such models are suitable for lovers of the classics;
Casual. These shoes are considered optimal for everyday use;
Outdoor. Collection for active recreation;
Kids. Models for little fashionistas;
Infants. Shoes designed for teenagers.

As for the features of shoes from the ECCO brand, the main emphasis is on the quality and practicality of the manufactured models. But despite this, there are other advantages, among which durability stands out the most. ECCO designers were able to achieve a similar result thanks to high-quality leather processing. High technology also plays a significant role. This is possible through the use of linings that easily absorb moisture and allow air to pass through.

Ecco is a Danish company that has been sewing shoes and a variety of leather accessories for more than half a century. It all started in 1963, when the Dane Karl Toosby decided to start creating shoes in his small town of Bredebro. On preferential terms he bought a small empty factory and began to work on realizing his dream - creating shoes that would combine convenience, comfort, innovation, as well as the famous Scandinavian design philosophy: simplicity, durability and naturalness. More than half a century later, we can say that Toosby succeeded! Now the Ecco brand is popular all over the world, it is one of the most successful shoe manufacturers in the world - precisely thanks to the ideas that the creator put into the basis of the business.

The history of Ecco - why the world loves these shoes so much

Karl Toosby studied to be a shoemaker from childhood. He started as a simple worker making shoes in a factory, and by the age of 30 he became the manager of a small shoe factory in Copenhagen. But he was not the owner of the production, and the techniques for producing shoes did not suit him. Karl had a dream: to create his own factory, where shoes would be produced according to the standards that he adhered to. Therefore, having saved up money, he quit his job, sold his house and moved to Bredebro in western Denmark, where he was able to buy a small production facility with this money. With his wife Brita and five-year-old daughter Hanni, he rented an apartment and began setting up a small, empty factory so that it could produce the quality shoes he wanted.

Karl's idea was to make shoes that people wouldn't have to break into. Which would fit on your foot like a glove. So that you could hardly even touch the shoes with your hands. This was the first concept that all subsequent Ecco shoes and sneakers followed: they had to be comfortable not only to wear, but also to take off/put on.

The people of the town mostly earned agriculture in the surrounding fields, so Carl Toosby had to independently train each of his workers to learn how to make shoes. But his “super-comfortable” shoes quickly gained popularity in the surrounding villages: people did not want to deal with their shoes after a long time of work. Carl Toosby's shoes meant they didn't have to worry about that.

At first, Karl named his shoes Venus ("Venus"). But it turned out that such a brand already existed in neighboring Germany, and so the master had to look for a new name for his company. This is how the ECCO brand appeared in 1969. Carl chose it because the word seemed simple, understandable in any language, and could easily be turned into a stylish logo. In the same year, the first Ecco sneakers and sandals began to be produced. And already in 1972 they took part in the Olympic Games in Munich - on the feet of most Danish athletes.

In 1978, three iconic models of the company's black classic men's shoes were released - Ecco Joke, Ecco Free and Ecco Time. On this new shoes Ecco reviews from customers were so positive that Toosby's items crossed the English Channel for the first time and began to be sold through custom catalogs not only in Germany and France, but also in the UK. At the same time, they were still produced manually at the factory: the first automatic machine was purchased by Karl only in 1980, when the company sold 1 million pairs of Ecco Joke shoes.

The next shoe model became the most popular in the company's history. In 1981, the Ecco Soft sneaker was launched - still similar in appearance to shoes, but much softer, and with a sole more suitable for running. You can still buy these Ecco sneakers on the company's official website - more than 37 years later. Total number their sales exceeded 40 million, this is one of the most famous models shoes in the world.

In 1990, Ecco officially came to the United States. The company opened several stores in New York, Los Angeles and other cities, but its main sales came through magazines. Thanks to the popularity of Ecco's catalogs, the company's men's shoes began to be sold throughout America, and the United States became the company's largest market. Carl Toosby opened new factories in Indonesia and Portugal to get his shoes to the western and eastern states as quickly as possible. And in 1993, he (and his daughter Hanni Toosby, who became his deputy) opened a large factory and tannery in Thailand - which today produces more than 5 million pairs of shoes per year.

In 1996, Ecco was one of the first shoe companies in the world to create its own page on the World Wide Web. Ecco.com launched. At first it simply contained information about the company's founder and the main models it produces (similar to magazines). Subsequently, this page became Ecco’s online store and official website. Today it receives 2.5 million visitors monthly. This is where the latest collections appear and the company's biggest promotions take place. For example, Ecco is currently having a sale online, with discounts of up to 40% on hundreds of shoe models. The promotion on the site even applies to models from new collections, and this is the best platform for purchasing this stylish shoes at the lowest price.

What today

In 1963, Ecco started out as a small factory with 16 employees, which sold its products in surrounding villages. Today it is one of the largest shoe manufacturing concerns in the world. Ecco products are known in 88 countries, the company has more than 3,300 of its own stores, and employs 20 thousand employees. It still belongs to the heirs of Karl Toosby, and is famous for the high quality of its products.

The brand is especially known for its leather quality. It has tanning factories in the Netherlands, Indonesia, Thailand and China. They supply leather not only for Ecco shoes, but also for cars, sports (footballs) and fashion. In the catalog of the Ekko online store you can find several thousand leather goods, including the same Ecco Joke, Ecco Free, Ecco Time and Ecco Soft that were introduced more than forty years ago.

The popularity of these shoes in Europe, the USA, and here in the CIS can easily be explained by the brand’s devotion to its original ideals. Even in new products, designers implement the same Scandinavian comfort and simplicity with which it all began.

The bulk of Ecco's products are leather shoes of any design. These include classics, which are usually worn in combination with a more formal style, and bright, specific models, such as a separate line of golf shoes.

If you look at the Ecco brand as a whole, you can see the very principles by which Karl Toosby built his business in the early 60s:
Simplicity and naturalness - almost all Ecco shoes are made of soft leather, thanks to which the brand has gained a reputation for reliability and durability. Despite the prices, which are usually slightly higher than the market average, with proper care, the buyer can count on the fact that his Ecco shoes will last more than one, not two, or even three full seasons.

Innovation - many models are very technologically advanced. This is due to the special design of the sole, which smoothes the load on the legs and joints during long walks, and the Gore-Tex membrane, which removes sweat well, but does not allow your feet to get wet. These shoes have excellent water-repellent properties and at the same time allow your feet to breathe.

Quality - Ecco shoes are manufactured under careful control in Europe and Asia. Now the main factories of the brand are located in Portugal, Slovakia, China, Indonesia and Thailand. Yak leather is most often used to make shoes. According to the company, it stands head and shoulders above everything that other manufacturers use.

Based on all this, the price becomes quite justified. Of all the mass shoe brands, Ecco is truly one of the most reliable. And coupled with the famous Scandinavian design, spending an average of about $100 per pair does not seem excessive. To make buying these shoes even less costly, we will tell you how and where you should save on Ecco shoes.

Buying Ecco shoes

Over the 50 years of its existence, the Ecco company has opened more than one hundred stores around the world, including, you can buy Ecco shoes in Russia. However, according to the old Russian tradition, prices for this brand in the Russian Federation are noticeably higher than in Europe, and even more so than in the USA. And the American assortment pleases with a wide variety of models and interesting colors. And in Russia, Ecco’s online store cannot boast of tempting discounts: in practice, Ecco shoes from the official website in America turn out to be much cheaper, plus the latest current collections appear there instantly, and you don’t have to wait for several months.

As an example, you can take, for example, the Ecco Cool 2.0 sneakers - with Gore-Tex and a thick sole, ideal for autumn and winter. Going to the Ecco store in Russia (Ecco-Shoes.ru), we see that they are presented in three colors, and you can buy ecco women's for 14,490 rubles. “For such high-quality winter sneakers, in which the foot does not sweat, maybe this is not even bad?” - we think.

But it's worth taking a look at the popular American shoe site Zappos to make sure that buying Ecco sneakers in the USA will be much cheaper. There is a discount on Ecco products, and the same model, only presented in 4 colors, costs $149 (at this moment this is 10,150 rubles). One and a half times cheaper! Moreover, this is one of the most popular American sites where shoes are supplied directly from the manufacturer.

And that is not all! In America there is a large online store 6PM, offering clothes and shoes from top brands with huge discounts.

The assortment here is not as wide as on the official website, but you can often find what interests you by best prices in the Internet.

6PM gives discounts of up to 75% on Ekko, and the store offers more than a thousand models of the company’s shoes. There are also our winter sneakers - currently priced at $69.99. This is 4760 rubles! More than three times cheaper than on the Russian site! The only thing is that not all sizes are available, and the number of models on sale is limited. But for the price of one pair in Russia (from the official Ecco store!) you can buy three pairs of the same sneakers in America, and you’ll still have enough left over for shoe polish!

Moreover, 6PM for purchases over $50 offers free delivery to the American Parcel Post warehouse. And almost never has problems with Russian buyers.

This is how you can save about $140 on one purchase. And this is not even one of the best offers, there are even more discounts! As a rule, Ecco stores in Russia do not often delight their customers with such large promotions, but Zappos and 6pm do this regularly. Ecco also has an online store and directly on Amazon. In it, products are conveniently divided into categories, where you can also track interesting discounts (although, as a rule, not as large as those of 6PM).

However, keep in mind that for some models the price difference with the Russian one is not so great, so sometimes it is more profitable to buy them in the Russian Federation. We recommend checking prices in both Russia and the US before making a purchase. This will help you find exactly the model that will really be profitable to bring from overseas as part of a consolidated parcel.