Family-assured Quality
They say that working with your family is hardly ever a good idea – that those relationships only complicate the business environment. This may be true in some cases, but one hugely successful company, Europa Art Group, has nimbly avoided these stereotypical potholes with honest communication and passion for the brand.
Started in 1973, it wasn’t long before the group became synonymous with high-quality raw materials and flawless craftsmanship. The group offers its customers the chance to purchase some of the most coveted designer footwear and accessories anywhere in the world. Comfort meets craftsmanship in their extensive men’s and women’s ranges, both of which represent quintessentially stylish designs with all of the glamour that comes with the Europa Art Group.
The story began in our nation’s biggest city, where the Lambrakis family started their business. Today, the group has 27 stores nationwide and have cemented themselves as amongst the best retailers in the country. Every brand operating in the modern world needs to pay attention to trend and fashion, and the Europa Art Group is no different.
When chatting with Melina Lambrakis, Director and Buyer, we asked her about trends and how important it is for the company to keep up, she explained that “it is important for our brands to offer our discerning customer, fashionable options to choose from, that are in line with current International trends”.
Melina went on to explain that Europa Art Group “have built the companies reputation on exceptional quality, hand-crafted Italian footwear which is what keeps our customers coming back”.
The Europa Art Group owns and operates some of the biggest names in the South African shoe business. Names like Clarks, Preview-the Designer Collection and Europa Art all fall under the umbrella of the group, and each is famed for bringing something unique to the market.
Europa Art brings the fashionable individual into every season looking fabulous. Whether it’s shoes, bags or belts, Europa Art has what you’re looking for. Amongst other things, Lambrakis says that Europa Art brings “hand-crafted quality leather goods” to the market.
Preview-the Designer Collection exudes luxury. It represents European designers and brings only the best to South Africa. Speaking of Preview, Lambrakis went on to say “We’ve brought high-end luxury brands to SA that otherwise would never have been available here, such as,tod’s, Furla, Hogan, Cesare Paciotti, Gianvitto Rossi, Roberto Botticelli and Tory Burch to name a few”.
The group even hosts the mammoth brand, Clarks, which is celebrating over eight years in South Africa. Clarks puts comfort first, but in an extremely stylish exterior. As the world’s number one in “everyday footwear”, the brand specialises in innovation and design, and sells more than 50 million pairs of shoes across the world every year.
The recently debuted Folli Follie brand manufactures and distributes jewellery, watches and fashion accessories for the modern woman. “Folli Follie means ‘crazycrazyness which embodies the belief of the Greek founders about chasing your dreams and aspirations” explains Lambrakis. Their products are of an exceptional quality, and as is standard for a Europa Group label, they make sure each and every design is executed with precision and style.
Operating in the world of business, as a woman, can sometimes be a struggle. We asked Melina Lambrakis how her gender had effected her experience in the professional world, and she described a different environment in the fashion industry – “In the Fashion industry, woman in business is a lot more common and so I have never felt discriminated against. Thankfully, woman have been embraced in this industry and been given the opportunity to hold leadership roles, to grow as individuals and generally support and empower their fellow female colleagues. I support companies that take the stance in empowering women”.
For more info on the brands and where to find your nearest store, visit www.europaartgroup.co.za