It is an amazing legend but realized by Wenzhou businessmen, after experienced of 20 years efforts the 120 shoe traders from Wenzhou city, China has successfully dominated 80% of shoe market in France.
The shoe business operated by overseas Chinese in France can be traced back to the early 90s of last century, and grew to an important part in European footwear market. The Overseas Chinese Shoe Wholesale Center in Aubervilliers, near Paris, has become a footwear contribution center for France and Europe, buyers from Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Greece, Poland, and Czech Republic came here for doing shoe business. Footwear like sectors of catering, clothing and small commodities is another success achieved by overseas Chinese in France, businessmen from Wenzhou city has played more and more important role in shoe business and also contribute a lot to the growth of French economy.
Compared with the shoe business launched by overseas Chinese in Italy, it has much later starting in France. Since cancelation of quote in EU for import of leather shoes in 2004, shoe business like springing up in France, depending on low-priced shoe but quality overseas Chinese soon expanded the market. For instance the overseas Chinese shoe trader of Triumphal Arch has increased their distributors to over 2000 that include several large scale franchised footwear stores in France. City Import Shoes in France, the sign of Chinese made shoe, has become the most influential European distribution center for shoes.
