Let me introduce...
Dennis Beute is general manager at ANWR-GARANT. The retail service organization in the footwear, sports and outdoor industries. And in addition, he is chairman of the board of CAST.

How long have you been personally involved with CAST?
“I have now been involved with CAST for about 14 years. The first goal was to get rid of the 'stuffy' nature of Garant and its members. More fashion was allowed to be purchased. I then started working for Garant on the second floor, where the guest expo is now. We had a showroom and office there. Right after I started, Garant was taken over by ANWR. A mega exciting time arrived then. Previously I was not in the shoe business, so I had to get used to it in the beginning. I ended up in a different blood group than I was used to in watches and jewelry. Fortunately, I was able to settle in quickly and the people all turned out to be very passionate and professional.”

“We continued as one organization on the second floor, where we still are today. And with those years, we have actually added a bit of space each time. Most recently a complete showroom for e-commerce”.

“Most people know ANWR from a stately building in Velp, which happens to be where I live. When CAST became increasingly important, they also moved to Nieuwegein. Garant was already there. The Dutch club itself has existed for more than 60 years”.

What is the difference between CAST "before" and "now"?
“If I am very honest, there is not that much of a difference. I do think the world has changed a lot around us. But the procurement center itself, perhaps fortunately, has never lost its basic function. It is a place where entrepreneurs can purchase and get information very effectively. I also think that is the purpose of such a center. We did add multiple product categories and digital tools now.”

What have been highlights for you over the past few years?
“The Golden Shoe awards, for example. This remains a nice appreciation for the profession and for the suppliers. We sometimes wondered whether we should continue with this, because everything changes. But just because everything changes, we want to keep traditions alive. Another highlight are the fashion shows that we used to organize, which were also incredibly cool. Actually, I think every day or fair that many of my members attend is a party. That's what we ultimately do it for”.

In your eyes, how has CAST developed over the past 40 years?
“CAST has been moving with the market. Back then, of course, they had to put the center on the map first, and once it was up - apparently there was animosity from the leather goods - they added another floor. It all got bigger and bigger. But now that it is shrinking again, just like the market, it has also adapted again. The last five years with focus on fashion and sports and digital orientation. I think that's the beauty of CAST. That it has been able to move with us every time and that's why it's still there. Where a lot of other procurement centers have fallen away. This can be credited to the brands that believe in the center, the committed salespeople who man the showrooms here, the volunteer board members who give extra throttle behind the scenes, but certainly also to the CAST team that works day in and day out to make it a viable procurement center. Still every day I speak to retailers who are happy that we have such a beautiful center”.

How has ANWR evolved over the past few years?
“I think we actually do the same thing as CAST. Ten years ago when online came into the picture and the entire retail playing field changed, we also adjusted our role. To marketing concepts, to e-commerce with our entrepreneurs, help with digitalization, but also extremely much knowledge transfer in takeover and succession, for example. Fortunately, the love for the shoe remains and still forms our basic competence.”

What is the added value for you of your showroom in CAST?
“Being in the heart of commerce. Between your suppliers and between your retailers, which is just perfect. I still wouldn't want it any other way. It's best to have the office outside CAST, but I just like having it all together. It's easy, very effective and important for mutual contacts. I can recommend it to everyone”.

Future CAST
“I see the future of CAST ultimately in a new building merging shoes, sports and fashion. In a hybrid version. Where you have flexible showrooms in addition to fixed showrooms and certain exhibition areas. If you were able to design this entirely to the liking of the market, that would of course be great.”

What makes you happy in the work you do?
“Success. And you have to get that together and experience it together. That can be very small successes. That makes you happy. But you have to be able to work toward something. Success takes a long time. If you can be creative in your head, you can achieve great things. Too much repetition is not for me either. It doesn't make me very happy. Change at times in a playing field of uncertainties does not sound so happy to most people, but I thrive on that.”