International expansion a step closer for Knutsford footwear company Chipmunks

North West children’s footwear brand Chipmunks has set its sights on international expansion.

The Knutsford-based company has this week (March 14) revealed plans to double its revenues and launch overseas.

Chipmunks confirmed America, Australia and China as its new target markets.

The firm said it manufactures nearly all its products at its own factory in southern China, where parent company Courtaulds Footwear has produced kids’ shoes for Clarks, Marks & Spencer and other high street retailers.

Justin Taggart, who has been at the helm of the business since its relaunch five years ago, spent 18 months with Chipmunks’ Chinese operation to strengthen the brand and oversee product development.

Today, the company works with retailers across the UK and Ireland, including Debenhams, JD Williams, House of Fraser, Jones Bootmaker and Brantano.

Justin said: “We spent the first couple of years perfecting our core range and now have a commercially successful brand of quality and affordable shoes in the market and we’re expanding every week within the UK market with new independents opening all over the UK and ROI.

“Looking forward our goal now is to scale and expand the business. In addition to our tried and tested core product we introduce new lines to the footwear range each season and are currently developing apparel and accessories ranges for both the UK and overseas markets.”

He continued: “Accessories including hats, scarves and gloves will be introduced in the Autumn Winter 2017 collection, with a more extensive clothing range launching in 2018 including jersey t-shirts, sweatshirts rain hats, raincoats and nightwear.”

In addition to its stockist network, Chipmunks sells through its ecommerce website.

Speaking further, Justin explained that despite the firm’s increasing international footprint, the domestic market will continue to be “the backbone of the business”.

He added: “We will maximise efforts to drive more bricks and mortar stockists in the UK over the coming months.”

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