I'm trying to open a specialty shoe store in Milwaukee, WI - but I
can't find the shoe I want.  My question is,   who is the
distributor/wholesaler (in the Midwest, preferably Minneapolis,
Milwaukee, Chicago area) of an italian-made shoe called "Aquatalia"
and how can I contact them?

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Request for Question Clarification by pafalafa-ga on 18 Dec 2003 15:07 PST

Hello ginamaria,

While I'm researching your question, perhaps you can answer one for
me:  Have you contacted Aquatalia directly?

They may be willing to ship you even a modest wholesale order direct
from Italy...you neer know until you ask!

Hello Ginamaria-ga,

Thanks for your question.  I?m a confirmed sneaker person myself, but
it was actually quite interesting tracking down Aquatalia and learning
a bit about the business.

Aquatalia is headquartered in Canada.  The company has its shoes
manufactured in Italy, warehoused in Canada, and sells directly to
shoe stores, without relying on middlemen or distributors.  You will
have to contact Aquatalia directly in order to establish a business
relation with them.

I spoke with a very helpful woman named Anita at Aquatalia
headquarters, who gave me a good deal of information (and will do the
same for you, I'm sure, if you give her a call...her contact
information is below).

The key points she made:

--Aquatalia's Fall 2003 line is already committed (all the product is
sold), and the new spring line for 2004 will start delivery in January
2004.

--A great many Aquatalia merchants do their business with the company
at the twice yearly meeting of the World Shoe Association in Las
Vegas.  Anita suggested *very strongly* that you try to attend this
show, as it is the premier event in the shoe industry.  The next
meeting is in February.  You can see information about the show at:

http://www.wsashow.com/

--Aquatalia's booth at WSA will be on the 3rd floor of the Venetian
Hotel -- Booth #3332.

--Membership in the WSA can be very beneficial, as they can help guide
you through all aspects of starting and running a shoe store. 
Membership information can be found here:

http://www.wsashow.com/fs_about.htm


--Another beneficial organization is the National Shoe Retailers
Association, that also offers considerable benefits.  You can see
their website at:

http://www.nsra.org/

Note, in particular, the New Store Starter Kit, which is described in detail here:

http://nsra.org/newstore.cfm



Now, as for actual contact information for Aquatalia:


Anita Beerens
Customer Service
Aquatalia
anita@aquatalia.com
514-932-7436

Aquatalia does have a sales rep in the Chicago area:

Sarah Fell
847-295-9007

and if you haven't already, you should certainly visit the Aquatalia website at:

http://www.aquatalia.com/

==========

I hope this is exactly what you needed, but if you find you need
additional information, just let me know by posting a Request for
Clarification, and I'll be happy to assist you further.

Best of luck in your venture...and happy holidays!

pafalafa-ga


search strategy:  Google search on Aquatalia.

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Request for Answer Clarification by ginamaria-ga on 16 Jan 2004 19:12 PST

The phone number given (514-932-7436) is incorrect.

Can I also get an address?

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Clarification of Answer by pafalafa-ga on 16 Jan 2004 19:27 PST

Hello Gina,

Happy New Year.

Sorry about the phone number...I must have transposed the digits.

The address and (correct) phone is:

Aquatalia by Marvin K.
1310 Ave. Greene, #520
Westmount, PQ H3Z 2B2
CANADA
Phone: 514-932-7463
Fax: 514-932-1100

Best of luck to you in 2004.

pafalafa-ga

Dear Gina Maria (and FAO other Researchers): 

I already sent an email to Aquatalia and awaiting an answer.