Circa SS24 Skate Footwear Preview

Retail Buyers Guide: Skate Footwear SS24 Retail Buyer‘s Guide
Brand: Circa
Interviewee: Alessandro Urso | Sales Director

MARKET

How is the overall health of the European skate shoe market?

Segment had a fast growth with a huge audience engagement.

Since skateboarding has joined Olympic Games official Sports Associations worldwide are scheduling events with big prize money, like World Skate Tour.

At a lower level, skateboarding is a discipline you can play outdoor on your own, on the street or at skateparks. It’s cheap and allows you meeting people with same interests.

Is the hard goods overstocking issue affecting skate shoes in any way?

Hard goods overstocking is a fact, it’s also the reason because we’re keeping outside that business. We’re going to produce skate decks in limited quantities for special projects only.

What are your main price points for next season?

We’re keeping our average price RRP €92, but in order to attack the market we’ll introduce the new style 211 VULC in SS24.

It’s a mini range of five easy-to-sell colorways, featuring premium PU leather, Fusiongrip™ outsole, big logo on the upper, vulcanized construction at retail price €64,90.

MARKETING

What is your collection theme and which stories are you telling to get customers stoked on skate shoes this season?

SS24 collection theme is “IT’S TIME” – a way to express our will to push hard with C1RCA in Europe and USA as well.

Main story “Crescit Eundo” is New Mexico inspired, featuring special versions of 805 style linked to tees, sweats and cool accessories like poker cards & whiskey flask.

What general trends are you currently noticing in Europe?

90s chunky retro models are a must-have for consumers.

C1RCA offer includes CX201R, TAVE TT, 805.

We increased performance of those shoes adding a special PU sockliner featuring Infuse™ technology.

DESIGN

Are you favouring more simplistic silhouettes or tech-heavy profiles?

Less is more for leisure – basic silhouettes with some tech features.

At the same time we worked on more complex upper constructions for pro models, like Widowmaker and all cold cement range.

Are you introducing any new tech in your shoes?

We’re focusing on pro shoes comfort, bounce, reaction & recovery so the news is about sockliners.

We introduced Infusecushion insole on CX201R, TAVE TT and 805, featuring an Infuse™ block under the heel.

Also we replaced the standard insoles on 50 PRO EV with new PU lightweight breathable ones.

Is sustainability a focus for the coming season?

Mandatory for Europe. We’re going on producing 100% sustainable uppers in partnership with Repreve® fabrics in Summer & Holiday collections

What are the must have skate shoes for SS24?
205 VULC, from C1RCA COMBAT history – Nacho Lima choice

50 PRO EVOLUTION

CX201, TAVE TT, 805 – cold cement range

BEST SELLERS/HERO PRODUCTS

1. 805 “CRESCIT EUNDO” pack

New Mexico, with its mix of Europen American, Native American and Mexican heritage is a unique and colorful place to visit and skate as well. C1RCA celebrates “The Land of Cactus” with two custom versions of 805 model.

2. 50 PRO EVOLUTION BKLS – Black/Lapis

The C1RCA ultimate pro model made by skaters for skaters. It features triple foxing tape on the outsole for maximum durability, hidden laces, slimmer mesh tongue, front & back easy-to-wear trims.