Thursday, January 19, 2006

WoodLand : Are you a Woodlander?


Brand : WoodLand
Company: Aero Club
Agency : Karishma Advertising

Indian shoe market is one of the most dynamic markets in the world. India's production capacity ( not only kids but shoes also) is second only to China. Although there are different valuations about the Indian Shoe Market. It is estimated to be worth around Rs 11000 crores. Some media reports say that it is worth Rs. 93 billion . Any way it is huge.

The market is traditionally price driven and dominated by the unorganised sector. The organised shoe market is dominated by Bata with a market share of 35-40%

Woodland is an Indian Brand ( and am proud of it ) . Launched in 1992-93, this brand has carved a niche for itself. Like what Allen Solly did with the readymade menswear, Woodland has done it with Indian Footwear. In a market dominated by sports and leather shoes ( read Bata and carona) Woodland created a category for itself.
Woodland never wanted to be an ordinary shoe . According to Mr Harkirat Singh MD , he never wanted this brand to be a mass market brand. So till now this brand is concentrating on the premium end ( above Rs 1500 shoes) of 2000 crore casual shoe segment.
Woodland targets the upmarket segment and is positioning itself as a Rugged high quality premium casual shoe. It can be called as SUV of Indian shoes. The ads are catchy and tempting.
The logo of Woodland was a status symbol during the nineties. The brand is excellent in quality and styling . I think that the brand pioneered Suede and nubuck type leather shoes in India. The brand carefully presented itself as an outdoor/ trekking kind of shoe which captured the imagination of Indian youth.
True to its price, the brand delivered its promise on quality which ensured that the brand is perceived as a value for money brand.
Woodland has extended itself to accessories and apparels. Latest reports suggest that the company is serious about promoting its apparel business which constitutes about 30% to the company revenues. Earlier Woodland tried its hand in the formal shoe category with the brand Woods but it did not make much impact in that market.
The careful branding has helped the brand to garner about 40% of the premium casual shoe market. But this market is witnessing lots of competition with global brands flexing its muscle in India.
Woodland is another example of an Indian Super brand.

8 comments:

  1. Dimitrz1:01 PM

    Am sorry to say the built quality and comfort level of Woodland shoes are not up to the mark.

    I have owned 2 woodland shoes one executive and one for outdoor - and I have been disappointed in both.

    In nutshell as a avid trekker, rafter and biker woodland is the last brand that I would ever recommend (I would rate the now seemingly out of production Action shoes above woodland )

    In short Woodland just has the looks which can be made use in city life but not in outdoors

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  2. It is good to see that information, really like to share this, this database really helps, Thanks for the information.

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  3. Very informative. Please write more so that we can get more details.

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  4. Very interesting information

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  5. nIshanth6:36 PM

    I think over the period of time the quality of woodland shoes have declined. I have personally bought one recently and it weared out within no time. Have heard the same feedback from some other friends of mine.

    As the competitors are entering the market such as Timberland if they don't buckle their shoes then i feel the brand will be in trouble.

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  6. Anonymous9:55 PM

    The status symbol used in the blog do have really worthwhile while the Indian market is dynamic towards price but positioning Woodland is really not a cup of tea, it needed a consistent approach
    of quality, style & perceived brand image.

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  7. Recently I purchased the casual shoes from Woodland brand and found the best results from this. They are full of comfort and I love to wear for daily purpose.

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  8. Recently I purchased the casual shoes from Woodland brand and found the best results from this. They are full of comfort and I love to wear for daily purpose.

    woodland shoes

    ReplyDelete

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