Black Suede Studio Made the Bold Decision to Move Production Out of China & It’s Not Looking Back
The Black Suede Studio brand first launched in Canada in 2018 with shoes initially produced in China. Now, the label has made some major changes to its price points and production, and it’s reaping the benefits. Just a year after its launch, founder and president Kris Avakian transitioned the company’s manufacturing to Brazil in order to increase the product quality and craftsmanship. “I made the decision because of me as a consumer. I know that I don’t like seeing ‘made-in-China’ when I buy,” he said. “I wanted the brand to offer amazing quality shoes, 30% cheaper than the brands we’re competing against.” Black Suede Studio’s fall thigh-high boot. CREDIT: Courtesy of Black Suede Studio Avakian originally launched with contemporary price points. He now sees luxury brands such as Wandler, Staud and Cult Gaia as competitors, with his shoes retailing from $248 to $568. According to Avakian, Black Suede Studio doubled its profits in 2020 compared to 2019. He credits the product q