“360 million pairs of socks are sold in France each year.
It is a product that has become commonplace.
By opening the doors of our factory to the public, we will restore its nobility,” promises Dominique Malfait, CEO of Labonal.
The Alsatian sock manufacturer is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2024 on the historic site of Dambach-la-Ville (Bas-Rhin).
A brand that has been able to renew itself over the years, with its three brands: Labonal, La Frenchie (high-end) and Pulse (sport).
“We sell 1.2 million pairs per year thanks to the work of our 80 employees.
This remains a performance in a sector that is so competitive and dominated by foreign manufacturers in China, Bangladesh and even Turkey,” underlines the manager.
According to the group's estimates, sales of French socks represent only 0.8% of the national market.
Meet at the store after the visit
“We want to encourage consumers to favor a French brand.
To understand the know-how behind this everyday product, we have chosen to show you behind the scenes of our factory for free,” announces the CEO of Labonal.
The Alsatian firm welcomes visitors every afternoon (registration here) in the manufacturing rooms of its factory.
“Visitors will understand how a sock is made by seeing the machines weaving and our employees at work.
We hope that this industrial tourism will generate sales in our factory store,” confides Dominique Malfait.