Merino wool and 100 families from Elche: the formula to make 10 million in sneakers

When 100 families from Elche, the cradle of footwear in Spain, work with their artisan hands on an innovative fabric such as merino wool, the consequence can only be one: unstoppable success.

Oliver Thansan
Oliver Thansan
19 January 2024 Friday 09:22
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Merino wool and 100 families from Elche: the formula to make 10 million in sneakers

When 100 families from Elche, the cradle of footwear in Spain, work with their artisan hands on an innovative fabric such as merino wool, the consequence can only be one: unstoppable success. One that translates into a series of feats such as growing 400% in 2021, one of the most difficult years for the world economy; having sold more than 500,000 pairs of sneakers in five years and expect to close this year with a turnover of 10 million euros, having started with an investment of only €15,000.

Pablo Mas, CEO and founder of Yuccs, dreamed in 2018 of creating a comfortable, designer and environmentally friendly shoe. To materialize his idea, he decided to recover merino wool, a historically highly valued fabric in the textile world. This material has multiple benefits, since it breathes naturally and absorbs large amounts of sweat vapor and evaporates it, self-regulates temperature, is antibacterial and does not cause itching in contact with the skin. If we add to all these qualities its soft touch, comparable to cashmere... Voilà! Success was almost assured.

Because, to achieve this, other ingredients were needed in the equation and, in 100% local production, the Mallorcan firm found one of the most powerful and which today is one of its fundamental pillars. Unlike other Spanish footwear brands that manufacture outside our borders, Yuccs does it in Spain: in Elche. Behind each pair of sneakers are the 100 shoemaking families who work in their factory and make with care and detail the sneakers that have even won over King Felipe VI and Infanta Sofía, who have worn them on several occasions.

“If something works, don't change it”: it is an unwritten rule that applies to many fields, and Yuccs uses it wisely. Among its future plans is not to take production outside of Spain and to maintain its current team and suppliers. But the hackneyed phrase usually has a tagline: “If something works, don't change it... Improve it!” And Yuccs' roadmap also includes diversifying its footwear for men and women and adding sandals, children's shoes, sports shoes, sweaters, espadrilles, moccasins or comfort boots to the catalog as well. And, of course, continue researching new natural materials (after merino wool came bamboo, grape skin and a sole made from sugar cane) such as banana fiber to continue creating sustainable sneakers.

With this purpose of continuing to grow, and after conquering the online market, the Mallorcan brand embarked on a project to expand physical stores throughout Spain. It was the year 2021. Today, Pablo Mas's dream includes his own stores in Palma, Barcelona, ​​Madrid, Bilbao and Oviedo. To these, those in Seville, Valencia and A Coruña and the openings in new multi-brand spaces will soon be added. Growing outside our borders is also important and, at the moment, Yuccs concentrates forces in Portugal, Germany and Italy. Precisely, the funds it raised in December through its first crowdfunding (which by the way was a complete success) will be used to boost its international growth, consolidate its presence in Spain and increase production capacity. In just 24 hours, the made in Spain firm reached 200% of the initial goal, exceeding €400,000 in its first round of financing. “We estimate to triple income in 5 years,” declared Pablo Mas.

Yuccs does not rest in terms of innovation and has just presented its latest release: the Merino Wallabee, a classic, timeless and very versatile shoe exclusively for men. And how could it not be otherwise, this new model has the brand's differential value: its high-quality natural materials. They are made with merino wool and sugar cane soles, resulting in unmatched comfort and extremely resistant footwear.

Do you want to try (that's what their customers call them) “the most comfortable sneakers in the world”? Go to www.yuccs.com and find your favorite model or go to one of the physical stores and take advantage of the second sales with up to €50 off with free shipping and returns.