1984 | Shoe Center Nieuwegein
August 20, 1984 marked the opening of the Shoe Center, “a wholesale center for footwear,” in Nieuwegein. With over 13,000 square meters of showrooms, over 140 shoe representatives and agents settled down at the time. Representatives and the new agents needed a more efficient way to market their products, especially since there were several collections to sell each year. A central location was therefore needed.
Photo 1: Opening statue 1984
1989 | SCN celebrates first lustrum of its existence
In 1989, the Shoe Center celebrated the first lustrum of its existence. Had the center met the expectations set at that time?
“Yes, otherwise we would have been long gone,” said Mr. H.H. Otten van Empress. “You can't avoid it anymore, the center has simply become necessary in our trade. After all, traveling to the customer is no longer doable in terms of time. And think of the parking problems, most shopping centers are no longer accessible after 11 o'clock. Now you can receive the customer in a quiet atmosphere and my experience is that the contact with customers has only grown and intensified” (Set Magazine, 1989).
Photo 2: Flyer CAST 5 years
2005-2006 | Time for expansion
The shoe center expanded with a new floor and the travel- and leather goods sector in late 2005. With the arrival of leather goods suppliers, the name was also changed: from Shoe Center to Center for Accessories, Shoes & Bags. Every six months the International Shoe Fair Netherlands (I.S.N.) was organized where, in addition to the regular exhibitors, about 40 guest exhibitors presented their latest collections.
Photo 3: Logo C.A.S.T
2012 | Lieke Poppe becomes the new director of CAST
Paul van Lammeren reached retirement age at the end of May 2012. The board felt it was a logical move to choose Lieke Poppe as his successor. Lieke Poppe joined CAST at the end of 1999. She began as an assistant manager, performing secretarial and administrative duties and supporting the then director. In 2003, as manager, her responsibilities included (internal and external) communications and the organization of trade shows and events. When Van Lammeren reached retirement age at the end of May 2012, it was a logical step for the board of CAST to appoint Poppe as his successor.
Foto 4: All directors in a row
2018 | Marijn Verschure new director of CAST
After 18.5 years at CAST, of which the last six years as director, Lieke Poppe is stepping down from her position. “It is time to explore a new field of work.” Marijn Verschure is the new General Manager of CAST as of August 2018, taking over from Lieke Poppe. Before Marijn began his work as General Manager at CAST, he worked for the Clarks brand for many years and then even started his own shoe line called Wednesday Whiskey.
“It is fantastic to be able to work for an institution like CAST,” said Marijn Verschure.
“These are challenging times in which I look forward to working with the team and the board to ensure that CAST remains an inspiring environment for suppliers and buyers, innovating for future purchasing behavior.” (Tred, 2018).
Photo 5: Center square CAST 2018
2019 | Trading Platform for Footwear, Sport & Fashion
In 2019, not only the name but also the logo was changed; from Shoe Center to Trading Platform for Footwear, Sport & Fashion.
Anyone who steps foot inside CAST in Nieuwegein should feel welcome. Hospitality is the key word here, but according to General Manager Marijn Verschure, the decoration also plays an important role. “The atmosphere in the center is perceived as positive. The central point where the catering is located looks much more colorful because of the new styling. Especially at the fair with guest exhibitors, we managed to create a look and feel of our time. And that in a very short period of time” (FashionUnited, 2019).
Photo 6: New logo CAST
A platform for innovation and networking
CAST is known for its dynamic and inspiring environment. It is not only a place to display and sell products, but also a breeding ground for ideas and innovations within the fashion and footwear industry. It regularly hosts events, fashion shows and seminars where professionals can exchange knowledge and discover the latest trends.
2021 | PREVIEW
In 2021 the first edition of a new event called PREVIEW took place. This new event is an initiative of CAST in Nieuwegein in cooperation with a number of enthusiastic Fashion Agencies. The purpose is to visit a group of agencies that together form a clear concept in a relaxed atmosphere. A unique coming together of relevant brands for relevant stores. Meanwhile, every buying season 3 editions are organized (KIDS, WOMEN & MEN).
Photo 7: First edition PREVIEW 2021
2022 | BrandPortal
In order to continue to innovate as an organization and respond to the changing purchasing behavior within its sectors, CAST is taking an important step toward its digital platform. The BrandPortal, which serves as a digital extension of CAST's physical events and showrooms and is designed to modernize and streamline the procurement process within these sectors. The platform allows suppliers to showcase their collections online, making it easy to capitalize on digital trends. At the same time, the BrandPortal provides retailers with a user-friendly tool to learn about different brands and collections - both current and future - in an accessible way and facilitates direct communication with suppliers. Finally, the BrandPortal contributes to the standardization of product data in which CAST as an independent party strives to optimize the sectors in industry interest.
2024 & beyond | Future plans
As CAST looks back on four decades of growth and success, the center is also focusing on the future. With the ongoing digitization of the market and the rise of sustainable fashion, CAST continues to adapt and innovate. There are plans for further digitalization and a greater focus on sustainability. From the start of digital development, one thing is clear: CAST must continue to play the role it has in its essence, and that is procurement and orientation.
Milestone
The 40th anniversary of the trading platform CAST is a milestone that should not go unnoticed. During the week of the Shoe Days, CAST will fully celebrate its 40th anniversary and the success of recent years together with invited guests.
