Working from home hurt shoe polish brand

The shoe polish brand Kiwi, which started as a family business in Australia in 1906, is now being withdrawn from England due to the “increase in everyday shoes that do not require polishing”.

William Ramsay, the founder of Kiwi Boot Polish, which was launched in Victoria, Australia, is said to have chosen this name after his wife, who is from New Zealand. The company quickly found commercial success after the paint was adopted by the British and American militaries during World War I.

THE ACTIVITIES WILL NOT STOP

However, according to the Times report, the company decided to downsize with the spread of both work-from-home and no-dye casual shoes. A company spokesperson said they have withdrawn from the UK market but will continue to sell in countries where dyed shoes are “popular”.

Considering the decision to retire, David James, director of James Shoe Care, a London-based shoe repair company, said: He said this is because “people are wearing much less stylish suits and shoes.”

James also noted that the shift to working from home during the coronavirus pandemic has “accelerated” a trend that has seen many office workers ditch traditional suits and leather shoes.