SCHUH

Introduction

SCHUH is both a well-known footwear retailer and a brand, tracing its roots back to 1981 when it was founded by the Scottish entrepreneur Peter McGowan and his business partner. Originating in Edinburgh, Scotland, SCHUH has grown to become a prominent name in the UK shoe industry. With a focus on contemporary fashion and quality, the brand aims to deliver a shopping experience that captures the latest trends in footwear. The founders envisioned a brand that would not only feature stylish designs but also cater to a diverse customer base, ensuring there is something for everyone.

SCHUH is deeply committed to enabling self-expression through footwear, viewing shoes as more than just essentials but as key components of individual identity and style. The company emphasizes inclusivity, offering a broad selection of brands and styles that resonate with different age groups and fashion sensibilities. Their dedication to customer service and exceptional shopping experiences reflects their mission to make every visit memorable and rewarding, aligning with their goal of creating a community around a shared love for shoes.

What truly sets SCHUH apart from other retailers is its ability to merge trend-focused styles with comfort and functionality. The brand consistently updates its collection with the latest designs, ensuring that customers have access to cutting-edge fashion. In addition to their focus on style, SCHUH is increasingly committed to sustainability, implementing initiatives to reduce its environmental impact. This unique combination of fashion-forward products and exceptional customer service positions SCHUH as a leader in the footwear retail landscape.

Signature Products

SCHUH's signature products showcase its dedication to blending style, quality, and innovation under its own brand. These products are designed to reflect SCHUH's commitment to contemporary fashion and cater to a diverse range of tastes and preferences. Here are some of SCHUH's exclusive in-house styles that highlight its unique approach to footwear:

• Lille Ballerina Mary Janes in Leopard Pony Hair: A chic take on the classic Mary Jane, these shoes feature a bold leopard pattern, combining elegance with a touch of edge.
• Lucy Studded Ballet Flats in Black: Stylish and versatile, these ballet flats add a hint of sophistication to any outfit with their subtle stud detailing.
• Lillian Loafers in Dark Brown Leather: These classic loafers offer a refined look, perfect for both casual and formal occasions, showcasing SCHUH’s attention to craftsmanship and detail.
• Danielle Block Heeled Knee Boots in Wine: Designed for those who seek both style and comfort, these knee boots make a statement with their rich wine color and elegant block heel.
• Daria Ruched Block Heeled Knee Boots in Taupe: Combining fashion and function, these knee boots feature a ruched design and block heel for a contemporary yet comfortable fit.
• Liora Chunky Brogues in Black Leather: A modern twist on the traditional brogue, these chunky shoes offer a bold silhouette perfect for making a stylish statement.

Materials and Ingredients Used by SCHUH

• Suede : Suede is a type of leather with a napped finish, created from the underside of animal hides. It is often used in the upper portions of shoes for its soft texture and stylish appearance, making it a popular choice for casual and formal footwear. The choice of suede adds a luxurious feel and enhances the visual appeal of the shoes.
• Leather : Leather is a durable and flexible material made from the hide of animals, renowned for its strength and resistance to wear and tear. The brand utilizes leather for its classic designs and longevity, which ensures that the shoes provide both comfort and style over time. Leather's natural breathability also contributes to a more comfortable wearing experience.
• Rubber : Rubber is a synthetic or natural elastic material known for its excellent grip and shock absorption properties. This ingredient is commonly used in the soles of footwear, providing traction and durability on various surfaces. The brand incorporates rubber to enhance the performance of their shoes, ensuring that they are suitable for everyday activities while maintaining a stylish edge.

Things to Keep in Mind When Buying From SCHUH

These issues are related to the supply chain of the brand and need to be taken into consideration:

Deforestation:

Deforestation is a significant issue particularly concerning materials like leather and rubber. In leather production, cattle ranching is a leading cause of deforestation, especially in the Amazon rainforest. This not only leads to loss of biodiversity and displacement of indigenous communities but also contributes significantly to carbon emissions due to the release of stored carbon when trees are cut down. Similarly, rubber plantations may replace tropical rainforests, causing similar environmental impacts. For instance, in Southeast Asia, large areas of lowland tropical forest have been converted into rubber plantations, affecting both the ecosystem and the local wildlife that depend on the forest for their habitat.

Water Usage and Pollution:

Leather processing is particularly water-intensive and requires large quantities of water for rearing animals and during the tanning process. The tanning process involves the use of hazardous chemicals, such as chromium salts, which can pollute local water sources if not managed properly. Polluted water can devastate aquatic ecosystems and affect local communities who depend on these water sources for drinking and agriculture. For example, the Ganges River in India has experienced significant pollution partially from waste discharges from leather tanneries, posing a risk to human health and the environment.

Chemical Usage and Pollution:

The production and processing of various materials like leather, suede, and synthetic leather involve extensive use of chemicals. Leather tanning requires substances such as chromium, which can cause severe skin conditions in tannery workers and contaminate nearby water supplies. Synthetic leather is made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or polyurethane (PU), both of which involve hazardous chemicals and energy-intensive processes. This contributes to both air and water pollution, impacting worker health and the surrounding community. In areas like Kanpur, India, tannery effluents have caused severe water pollution and health issues among local residents.

Animal Welfare Concerns:

The production of leather and suede raises significant animal welfare concerns as well. The demand for leather products fuels the livestock industry, where animals are often kept in poor conditions and slaughtered for their hides. Moreover, the ethical implications of using animal-based materials have led to debates on sustainability and animal rights. Many consumers are becoming increasingly aware and concerned about the sourcing of these materials, leading to a demand for more ethical and sustainable alternatives.

Petrochemical-based Production:

Materials such as synthetic leather and EVA foam are derived from fossil fuels, which poses environmental challenges. The extraction and processing of petrochemicals contribute to air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and habitat destruction. Additionally, the reliance on non-renewable resources for production raises concerns regarding long-term sustainability. The demand for these materials contributes to the overall carbon footprint, emphasizing the need for alternatives that are less reliant on fossil fuels.

Non-biodegradability:

Synthetic materials like synthetic leather, EVA foam, and plastic used in packaging present a significant waste disposal challenge because they do not decompose easily. These materials can persist in landfills for hundreds of years, contributing to pollution and the growing waste problem. The accumulation of non-biodegradable materials also poses risks to wildlife, as animals may ingest or become entangled in plastic debris, leading to injury or death. This issue highlights the importance of finding materials that offer the necessary durability while being environmentally friendly.

Energy-intensive Production:

Recycled polyester, while a more sustainable alternative to virgin polyester, still requires significant energy to process recycled plastics into usable fibers. Even though it uses fewer resources than virgin polyester, the energy-intensive production process raises concerns about its environmental impact. Efforts to improve efficiency and use renewable energy sources in the production process can help reduce the carbon footprint associated with recycled polyester.

Recycling Challenges:

Both EVA foam and plastics used in packaging present challenges in recycling due to their complex structure and the contamination issues involved. These materials often require separation and specialized processing, making recycling less efficient and more costly. The limitations in recycling programs and infrastructure contribute to the accumulation of waste, leading to environmental pollution and resource depletion. Addressing these challenges involves improving recycling technologies, enhancing collection systems, and designing products that are easier to recycle.