André stores partially saved

The André shoe brand once again avoided liquidation on Wednesday May 4. A Belgian company partially takes over, keeping 119 employees out of 250. Half of the points of sale will close. In the Paris region, the manager of a shop has just heard the news. His store is spared. But after 40 years of career, she remains worried. The company has been weakened for several years. The regulars fear to see it disappear for good. “I’m going to have to find another shop”, regret a woman.

A declining market

In 2018, André was already bought by the online sales site Spartoo. However, the company suffered the full brunt of the health crisis and the closing of stores. In 2020, the company is saved by its former CEO, but the results are still not coming. In February 2023, André is placed in receivership. “Shoe consumption has dropped and shifted towards more fashionable products. […] André is a company that has lost its desirability”, analyzes expert Frédéric Boublil. This is a new blow for traditional brands, after the closures of Camaïeu and San Marina.