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Trends: Charentaise, victim of its success!
Trends: Charentaise, victim of its success!
(France 3)
The demand for Charentaises has been increasingly strong since the start of the health crisis, especially since “Made in France” is popular. Small problem: the shortage of felt slows down the production of the slipper.
Rolls of high-end wool felt are essential for making the Charentaise slipper. “It is the historic felt which has been used for 300 years in the manufacture of Charentaise“, explains Olivier Rondinaud, co-manager of “L’Atelier Charentaises”. The felt comes from this unique factory in France, established in Tarn since 1865. According to one of its managers, the shortage is largely due to strong demand for slippers made in France.
Shortage of raw materials
The shortage of raw materials limits manufacturing, and therefore the stock of the small company in La Rochefoucauld (Charente). “At this time of year, we should have a shelf that is almost full. But you see, there is absolutely nothing“, deplores Olivier Rondinaud. Retailers are struggling to supply their stores, like a Charentais merchant who owns several stores in the region. “L’Atelier Charentaises” is the emblematic manufacturer of the famous slipper with a reverse seam. An artisanal method guaranteeing quality, which is increasingly appealing to the French.