RetailCraft 55: "Clean Lines" - in conversation with Giovanni Lepori, Rothy's VP Global Retail

Clean Lines: Sustainable Innovation and Retail Evolution with Rothy's VP Global Retail

In this episode of RetailCraft, Ian Jindal speaks with Giovanni Lepori, Vice President of Global Retail at Rothy’s, from the brand’s flagship store in New York. Giovanni shares how Rothy’s has revolutionized footwear manufacturing with 3D knitting technology, built a sustainable and scalable business model, and expanded into physical retail while staying true to its clean design ethos. The conversation explores themes of circularity, disciplined growth, and the challenges of scaling a direct-to-consumer brand globally.

Episode Overview Rothy’s Origins and Revolutionary Manufacturing

Giovanni recounts how Rothy’s founders developed their groundbreaking 3D knitting technology to create zero-waste shoes made from recycled materials. He highlights the challenges of scaling production and the importance of owning their factory in China to ensure quality and sustainability.

Clean Lines and Circular Design

The brand’s aesthetic—distilled simplicity with clean lines—is paired with a commitment to circularity. Giovanni discusses Rothy’s zero-waste factory, pilot programs for recycling worn shoes, and the durability that makes its products “last forever.”

Transitioning from Online to Offline

Giovanni explains how Rothy’s began as a direct-to-consumer brand before experimenting with physical retail. The first store in Pacific Heights was an instant success, leading to a deliberate rollout of premium stores like the Flatiron flagship in New York.

Challenges in Scaling Retail

From inventory management to maintaining brand values in wholesale partnerships, Giovanni reflects on the complexities of omnichannel retail. He emphasizes disciplined growth and ensuring profitability in every location.

Looking Ahead: Global Expansion

Giovanni outlines plans for international growth, including standalone stores in London and beyond. He also highlights product innovation, new categories like menswear and kids’ shoes, and the ongoing evolution of sustainable materials.

Chapter Times and Titles

[00:00:00] "Welcome to New York" Introduction to Giovanni Lepori and his role at Rothy’s.

[00:01:00] "A Revolutionary Idea" How Rothy’s transformed footwear manufacturing with 3D knitting technology.

[00:06:00] "We Make Every Shoe We Sell" The importance of owning the production process for quality and sustainability.

[00:07:30] "Clean Lines" Rothy’s signature aesthetic paired with circular design principles.

[00:14:30] "The Holy Shit Moment" The move from online-only to retail and the power of in-store experiences.

[00:18:30] "Expanding Globally" Plans for international growth, including London and beyond.

[00:20:15] "Retail Challenges" Overcoming obstacles in omnichannel integration and scaling responsibly.

[00:24:30] "Looking Ahead to 2025" Rothy’s focus on disciplined growth, new categories, and global expansion.

 

--  Run time: 29 minutes

INFORMATION:

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Rothy's - www.rothys.com

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Giovanni Lepori: https://www.linkedin.com/in/giovannilepori/ 

Ian Jindal: www.linkedin.com/in/ianjindal/ 

 

[ 📷 ] (c) Ian Jindal / www.instagram.com/ianjindal