Now under new ownership, children’s footwear brand Bobux is set to see big changes in 2024. As well as a new exclusive distribution partnership to help grow the UK market even further, the brand has brought in new design talent to ensure Bobux continues innovating and delivering to its customers.
Bobux has grown from humble beginnings in a New Zealand shed back in 1991, to a global presence with over 1,000 stockists in its key markets of the UK, NZ, Australia and Italy. The brand also has distribution in more than 44 territories through dedicated channel partners.
In June 2023, Bobux was bought by the Australian company Munro Footwear Group (MFG). MFG is Australasia’s largest privately-owned footwear company, with over 290 retail stores and more than 2,500 employees in Australia.
Bobux was confident MFG would preserve the essence and heritage of the Bobux brand whilst enabling it to reach its full potential. MFG’s business model, robust supply chain, and ecommerce expertise, along with Bobux’s brand recognition and loyal following, was the perfect partnership to help the brand continue its journey to becoming a market leader.
Bobux partners with HB Shoes
The UK is a foundation market for Bobux and makes up over a quarter of its global sales revenue and more than a third of its total online sales revenue. It was decided, therefore, that working directly with UK distributor HB Shoes and benefiting from an experienced local team on the ground would be the best move for Bobux in 2024.
HB Shoes is one of the UK’s oldest premium footwear designers, distributors and wholesalers. Founded in 1964, the company provides quality artisan shoes to the UK footwear trade. HB Shoes works with carefully selected international brands to support its UK and Irish distribution, alongside the design and supply of HB-branded footwear from small artisan factories in Tuscany and Southern Spain.
Its owner and managing director, Justin Morgan, is excited by the increased potential of Bobux in the UK. Morgan will be responsible for overseeing everything from retail partner sales and customer service to its warehouse operations and the launch of a new UK ecommerce site.
Bobux recruits ex-Clarks and Start-Rite designer Karen Strickland
Karen Strickland has also joined Bobux as lead product developer. Strickland has over 20 years’ experience in footwear design, with a particular passion for children’s footwear. Whilst she now resides in Australia, she began her career in the UK at costumiers Angels in London, designing and coordinating footwear for various films.
She then went on to work with Start-Rite Shoes before moving to Clarks for several years. During this time she developed a love for last shapes, constructions, materials and details, and gained interest in product design development and creating innovative children’s footwear.
Bobux’s commitment to classic styling with a distinctive, pared-back aesthetic and a desire to put kids’ foot health and comfort first when making every design decision is a powerful combination, and Strickland is excited to share her own developments with Bobux’s customers later this year.
For sales enquiries please contact Bobux@hbshoes.co.uk.
