A Functional Footwear Brand That Has Stood the Test of Time
Celebrating 20 Years of Mutual Growth with Overseas Trips for 140 Franchisees
Do you know the secret behind a shoe company's 20 years of longevity?
This company does not have its own manufacturing plant. Like other companies such as global brands Nike and Adidas, it outsources production through OEM.
Narzio, which has introduced functional walking shoes with the concept of 'comfortable shoes,' is celebrating its 20th anniversary. While there are quite a few general shoe brands, Narzio is the only domestically developed brand that has been solely focused on health and 'functionality' for 20 years.
On the 28th, Narzio announced that the brand, which launched functional shoes in 2006 under the slogan "The most comfortable shoes in the world," is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year.
A company representative stated, "In an era where various brands rise and fall, Narzio stands out as the only functional shoe brand in Korea that has lasted 20 years."
It is difficult to maintain brand awareness and reputation for a long time while adapting to changing consumer preferences and trends. Industry insiders agree that the secret to surviving 20 years in the fiercely competitive footwear market is, above all, 'product quality.'
Popular trot singer Jang Minho has also boosted the brand's popularity as its model. With a catchy and impactful jingle, "That's right, that's right, it's Narzio," performed by the well-known singer, the brand is aggressively marketing its image as a comfortable shoe.
Narzio Chairwoman Lim Oksun said, "We have built trust with franchisees for over 20 years through our 'franchisee-first' policy, where the headquarters covers all marketing and promotional costs." She emphasized the company's commitment to mutual growth and cooperation.
Lim added, "Currently, about half of our 140 franchisees have been operating their stores for over 10 years, and the bond between headquarters and franchisees is exceptionally strong."
To reward franchisees who have shared the journey to the 'twentieth year,' Lim is gifting them an overseas trip. In July, she is offering a 5-day, 3-night trip to Da Nang, Vietnam for all 140 Narzio franchisees. The trip, which will include the chairwoman and executives, was decided at a recent franchisee meeting.
Narzio offers a wide range of lightweight and comfortable shoes, including walking shoes, golf shoes, and hiking shoes. Backed by a loyal domestic fan base, the company is also targeting overseas markets. The company explained that it is expanding as a global brand.
A company representative said, "The secret to our shoes' popularity is that we provide the best comfort to customers based on 20 years of accumulated technology and know-how, and we have developed differentiated shoes tailored to the preferences of our main customer base, the middle-aged and older demographic."
The most distinctive feature of Narzio walking shoes is the 'Twosole' outsole, which is separated at the front and back. This technology allows the shoe to move naturally with the foot while walking, making it comfortable and reducing the burden on the ankle and knee joints.
The company also explained that weight is distributed front and back, increasing exercise and reducing fatigue. Thanks to this technology, Narzio became the first domestic functional shoe brand in 2018 to be approved by the US government as a 'Medicare diabetic and orthopedic shoe.'
A 20th anniversary gift event has also been prepared. From April 1 to May 31, a 1+1 event will be held at stores nationwide, where customers who purchase one pair of shoes will receive an additional designated pair for free.
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