Italian leather goods: a powerhouse with a handbrake

ITALIAN LEATHER GOODS: A POWERHOUSE WITH A HANDBRAKE

Italian leather goods is a sector with great potential, which unfortunately finds itself colliding with some critical issues. For example, one of the main concerns is the sector’s lack of attractiveness towards the younger generations, leading to the worrying lack of skilled workers.

It is important to observe how young people’s interest in the sector inevitably passes through greater involvement in values: growing percentages of young people declare that they would prefer not to work for companies whose social and environmental values are not shared by them or that do not do enough to promote diversity and inclusiveness.

Furthermore, young people are increasingly looking for companies in line with the times, who speak their own language, giving importance to product innovation and sustainability.

A further critical issue concerns the complex relationship between brands and suppliers, accentuated by current socio-economic dynamics, which should lead to a substantial rethinking of supply chain relationships.

Finally, a third area of attention consists in the not always effective communication of the added value.

A decisive turnaround is therefore needed to unlock the full potential of this sector. But where to start?

The first step is inevitably rethinking the underlying logic, too often oriented towards the search for tactical solutions, in favor of a greater ability to see and interpret business dynamics from a strategic point of view.

On closer inspection, there is no shortage of virtuous models for inspiration; think, for example, at the best goldsmith districts or some of our regional winemaking excellences.