Bata

[Sammyboy RSS Feed]

An honorable member of the Coffee Shop Has Just Posted the Following:

Everyone in all probability knows what BATA is.

Some of us wore the white canvas shoes when young, others ingeniously call it “Buy And Throw Away”.

Aside from our visit to a Bata boutique last evening, I guess the last time I ever stepped into one was when I was 16 or 18 year old.

We were walking in a mall last night when his shoes gave way.

Lo & behold! There was a BATA shoe boutique right in front of us. He said let's go in and grab a pair of new shoes. I was hesitant, but nonetheless went along, pondering what a scrooge I am with.

He selected his shoe, tried them on, paid, asked the salesgirl to throw away his broken pair of shoes, put on his new BATA shoes and we left. It costs him $49.90.

I never knew BATA shoes were that decent. Putting aside the infamous "Buy And Throw Away" reputation, I thought it was really a bargain for a nice fitting pair of leather working shoes.

I had always thought BATA was some brand of Indian origin. To my surprise, it isn't.

I did a search, and according to Wikipedia, it's a Swiss brand!

"BATA (also known as Bata Shoe Organisation) is a family-owned global footwear and fashion accessory manufacturer and retailer with acting headquarters located in Lausanne, Switzerland. Organised into three business units: Bata Europe, based in Italy; Bata Emerging Market (Asia, Pacific, Africa and Latin America), based in Singapore, and Bata Protective (worldwide B2B operations), based in the Netherlands, the organisation has a retail presence of over 5200 retail stores in more than 70 countries and production facilities in 18 countries."

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bata_Shoes

In fact, while he was trying on his new leather shoes, I had a walk around to see some of the other stuff they sell. I must say that BATA has re-invented themselves, innovated well, with worthy design of shoes, bags and accessories.

Well, I admit I am little snooty, but that's probably due to my teenage perception of BATA, no more, no less.

I did ask him after he donned his new pair of shoes ∼ whether it would create “adverse reactions” with his business partners, clients or colleagues ~ given that it is not a Cole Hann, Berluti or Armani.

He boldly said - "I will tell them to FXXK OFF!”

Well, I learnt an important lesson. Never judge a product by its brand name. It's what it is that is key. I am proud of him. He is not like the snooty me.

Have a fabulous Thursday evening! :)


Click here to view the whole thread at www.sammyboy.com.