Brazil’s Arezzo Steps into U.S. Retail with Macy’s and Belk Debut

The Brazilian footwear brand, Arezzo has expanded into the United States market with its debut at Macy's and Belk department stores. This move comes as part of an aggressive expansion strategy by Alexandre Birman, the founder of Arezzo & Co., despite the company's stagnant sales in Brazil due to the country's worst recession in decades. Arezzo, the flagship brand of Arezzo & Co., was launched in the U.S. on September 8, 2023.

The company's portfolio includes several other brands, such as Alexandre Birman, Schutz, and the recently acquired Paris Texas, primarily focused on the Brazilian market. However, Arezzo stands out with its five-decade history and impressive sales figures. In 2022, the brand reached $357 million in sales, marking a 29.6% increase from 2021. It sold nearly 6 million shoes and 1.2 million handbags, pushing the Brazilian company's overall growth past the $1 billion mark.

The U.S. launch of Arezzo is exclusive to 100 Macy's and 100 Belk in-store and online stores. The brand offers its styles at a price of nearly $100, focusing on sophisticated styling and quality construction. Most notably, Arezzo provides all-leather products, a rarity at this price point, setting it apart from competitors. CEO Alexandre Birman has expressed his commitment to sustainable growth in the U.S. market. He emphasizes the importance of not rushing the expansion process, stating that the brand's success will be measured by its ability to sell through its product lines.

In the first week since launching, Birman reported that they have met their goals and have already planned the continuation of the collections through resort and spring. Arezzo's product line includes sophisticated loafers, western-inspired boots, dress sandals, and more. Ballet flats and mules are expected to be strong sellers.

While the brand tends to lean towards trends and fashion-focused details in Brazil, Birman is focusing on more wearable options for the U.S. market that can be worn for many occasions. With its U.S. launch, Arezzo aims to carve out a space in the competitive footwear market by leveraging its efficient production capabilities and offering high-quality, all-leather products at an affordable price point. This strategic move marks a significant milestone in Arezzo's global expansion efforts.