São Paulo – A manufacturer of leather care and maintenance products, Weill Indústria e Comércio of Sumaré, São Paulo has been shipping product to the Sidewalk store chain in Saudi Arabia for about four years now. Currently, two to three batches are shipped per year to the Gulf country.
According to director Paulo Rodrigues Weill, the Saudi chain buys from 15 to 18 different items from Weill. “They purchase leather waterproofer, shoe softener, suede renewer, leather and insole mousse polisher, etc,” the executive explains.
Weill explains that the Saudi store chain owners are an Arab man and his Brazilian wife. Talks leading to the sales were initiated by the wife, who came across Weill’s products and grew interested.
“We make customized items under the Sidewalk brand. In Brazil, we manufacture for the likes of Dumond, Capodarte, and Mr. Cat, to name a few,” says Paulo. Each batch shipped to Saudi Arabia comprises between 100 and 200 units of each of the items.
According to Weill, what sets his items apart is quality, on par with the standards in countries like Italy, Germany and France. “We won’t put a product out on the market unless it matches the quality standards of European manufacturers,” he asserts.
Besides Saudi Arabia, items by Weill are available in Canada, South Africa, Italy, Mexico, the Dominican Republic and Chile. In Brazil, it makes product for third-party brands and under its proprietary brand Bonton.
Paulo explains that contact with international players is made at footwear industry exhibitions such as Couromoda and Francal, and adds that he is available to other Arab prospective buyers. “I’ll get back to any retailer who gets in touch,” he says.
Quick facts
Weill Indústria e Comércio
Website: www.produtosbonton.com
Export info:
Gaston Marinho Weill
Phone: +55 19 3838-9898
Email: gaston@bonton.com.br
*Translated by Gabriel Pomerancblum
