Author: Martina Lelli
On the 2nd of April, LFC Luxury attended a company visit at TOD’S Headquarters in Brancadoro, Civitanova Marche. In collaboration with the Next Gen Association, we had the exclusive and distinct opportunity to completely immerge in ourselves in the history, heritage, and contemporary development of the Tod’s brand.
The visit began with a rich and comprehensive company overview, providing us with the essential information about the Group’s history, the brands under its umbrella, its sustainability initiatives and attainments, as well as insights into its Human Resources area. Key highlights were also shared regarding Tod’s revenues, employee numbers, and the company’s global presence.
Starting in early 1900s, Filippo Della Valle, grandfather of Diego and Andrea Della Valle, opened a small cobbler’s workshop. In 1950, Filippo’s son, Dorino Della Valle, expanded the family tradition by founding a shoe manufacturing company. Finally, in 1975, Diego Della Valle transformed the family business into an industrial enterprise, laying the foundations for what would become the Tod’s Group. The brand was officially launched in 1983, marking the beginning of its modern history. In 1986, Hogan was introduced, followed by the incorporation of the American brand Fay in 1989, expanding the Group’s portfolio. In 1997, Tod’s acquired the prestigious Roger Vivier brand, reinforcing its position in the luxury market, and subsequently relaunching it in 2002. Most recently, in 2024, Tod’s completed a public tender offer (OPA), marking another significant milestone in its corporate evolution and delisting from the stock exchange.
Tod’s commitment to sustainability has been evident in its ongoing efforts to reduce its environmental impact; in fact, The company received ISO 14001 certification in 2020 for its environmental management practices. Additionally, in 2023, Tod’s focused on employee safety and well-being by implementing robust safety protocols, earning ISO 45001 certification.
Additionally, the company has also prioritized giving back to its communities by returning 1% of net profit to support local initiatives. This includes the construction of the Arquata del Tronto Factory, collaborations with the San Patrignano Community and Save The Children, and welfare programs for its employees, such as a family welfare bonus, healthcare benefits, a kindergarten, and study allowances for employees’ children.
Regarding Tod’s revenue distribution, it was shared that 74% of the Group’s revenue comes from footwear, 12% from leather goods, and 14% from clothing. This success is attributed to its numerous boutiques, not only in Italy but also in China, Japan, Korea, and its expanding e-commerce presence. Since 2020, e-commerce has played a crucial role in reshaping Tod’s distribution strategies across 37 countries.
The second part of the visit included an exclusive advisory session led by one of the most prominent figures in the Human Resources area, offering insights into the brand and practical advice on future career paths in the luxury industry.
Following this, we participated in a workshop at “CQ Pellami,” where a leather goods specialist provided an in-depth lesson on the entire process of creating luxury leather goods. He passionately explained how to identify high-quality leather, the various methods of processing it, and how it is skillfully crafted into final products. Various types of leather, including crocodile, bovine, and lard, were shown and described in terms of their origin, properties, prestige, and suitability for different luxury items.
In the evening, we had the exclusive opportunity to observe the shoe production process at Tod’s official headquarters. We witnessed the selection of premium leather, its division into sections for production using advanced technology, the artisanal process of assembly, and the final refinements that transform the leather into finished products ready for sale. This hands-on experience was invaluable in understanding the meticulous and labor-intensive techniques involved in creating high-end products. We were able to engage directly with artisans and employees, gaining further insights into the production process.
The visit concluded with a shopping experience at the Tod’s outlet, where, after all the in-depth explanations and insights, we were able to see firsthand the final products resulting from the meticulous work of countless individuals. It was a profound moment, as we witnessed the culmination of such dedicated craftsmanship.
The visit to Tod’s Headquarters offered an invaluable opportunity to gain a deep understanding of the brand’s rich history, commitment to sustainability, and the meticulous craftsmanship behind its iconic products. From the company’s humble beginnings to its present-day status as a global leader in luxury, Tod’s continues to exemplify the importance of heritage, innovation, and social responsibility in the luxury industry. This experience has not only enriched our knowledge of the brand but also provided us with a deeper appreciation for the hard work, dedication, and expertise required to create high-end products that stand the test of time.
