Career in Shoe Business and Footwear Industry in India

The footwear industry is one of the fastest growing sectors in India.
India's footwear retail market is expected to grow at a com- pound
annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 20 per cent from 2008 to 2011. India
is the second largest producer of footwear after China, accounting for
14 per cent of footwear pro- duction of 14.52 billion pairs. There is
huge opportunity for footwear experts Familiarity with the fashion
industry, broad knowledge of leather and an understanding of shoe
engineering. Footwear is the engine of growth of the leather industry,
currently accounting for an export value of US$ 1212 million, holding a
major share of 41 per cent in India's total leather trade. Considering
this fact, by 2010-2011 footwear exports from India are expected to
reach US$4.5 billion, where the overall exports of leather products will
reach US$6.98 billion, wherein footwear alone will account for a share
of 65 per cent in India's total leather exports. Footwear is expected to
comprise about 60 per cent of the total leather exports by 2011 from
over 38 per cent in 2006-07.

With many global retail chains
actively sourcing footwear from India, there is a huge opportunity for
footwear designers, technicians and managers. Familiarity with the
fashion industry, illustration skills, and broad knowledge of textiles,
leather and materials and an understanding of shoe engineering are some
of the baseline skills for becoming a shoe technologist. Proficiency
with computer assisted design (CAD) programmes and modelling software is
also useful. In addition, strong marketing skills, an ability to
analyse trends and basic business acumen are important for those wanting
to start their own footwear lines.