Hitch’dtheshoe, founded by Marc Bakhos, was created with a vision to add the element of comfort and design in a formal shoe. Marc initially came up with the idea of Hitch’dtheshoe in order to provide class and comfort solutions for a wedding. However, with growing popularity, these premium sneakers have been worn by people on other occasions too.
This UAE based brand is creating quite a ripple in the domestic market. We recently Interviewed Marc Bakhos to understand the idea behind his brand. Among other things, we also discussed the impact of Coronavirus on Entrepreneurs.
Coming up with your own shoe brand is a risky affair given the intense competition in this segment. What inspired you to create Hitch’dtheshoe?
I was looking for a casual sneaker to get married in, but could not find a shiny sneaker that has the shine and the comfort that I was looking for to last for all the wedding festivities. So, I decided to create my own brand to cater to the gentlemen with the same struggle.
The name is derived from the word hitched, which means that you’re getting off the market. We started with Hitch’d gents, which caters to the gentlemen and the launch has been successful for two months now.
These shoes which are created to add modern and stylish charm to any outfit, are created with 100% Italian patent leather and 100% rubber sole.
You are a young entrepreneur and will have your own learning curve. However, the ongoing pandemic has taught everyone a lesson. What is the biggest lesson entrepreneurs can learn from the ongoing Pandemic?
That is true. This pandemic is a great learning curve for everyone. I would say that people should always look for opportunities that potentially arise from any uncertain event like the one we are facing today.
I believe that humanity plays a big role in these circumstances and the people who are able to help should help others in any possible way. I would say that the biggest lesson entrepreneurs can learn is that there is nothing above humanity. Moreover, nothing is permanent and you should serve your clients from that backdrop.
Considering the fact that there are several big players in the shoe segment in which you are offering products, how small businesses can compete with established brands. What should be their strategy?
That’s right. Competing with established brands is tough. One should, therefore, tread his or her path carefully. I would suggest that one should look for a problem that people are facing and try to find solutions. The solution should be niche preferably and using the right channels you’re good to go.
So, with the acceptance you are getting, are you planning to expand your operations?
We ship in the UAE at the moment. Our operations will open to the world soon. We are in the process of finalizing shipping processes and rates. This has obviously been hit due to the ongoing situation.
How has shoe industry transformed over the past few years? Do you believe that premium brands face challenge from cheap, look-alike products which swamp the shoe racks in several markets?
“I believe that any fashion product is easy to imitate, but it is hard to imitate the story.”
The shoe industry is always changing and adapting to customers’ wants and fashion trends. I believe that any fashion product is easy to imitate, but it is hard to imitate the story. In our case, there’s a story to tell. Also, people have a sense of appreciation for good products. On any given day, quality wins.
What has been your most satisfying experience as a business owner?
Being a business owner, it has been truly a blessing seeing the reaction of my clients after I show them my products.
It is like a need that they have been waiting for a while, and finally, it has been fulfilled. Being born and raised in Lebanon also makes me proud to have come this far, in creating something special for the world, as well as making my country proud at the same time.
