Gabor history

Milestones of the company history

Milestones in the company’s history

Since 1919, Gabor has grown from a small shoe shop into a global footwear brand – inspired by people, fashion and shoes that redefine quality and comfort.

Each stage tells the story of our passion for shoes and our commitment to constant improvement and development. You can find an overview of the most important stages here.

Craftsmanship and new beginnings

The founding by Pius Gabor in Groß-Strehlitz marks the beginning of a long tradition. After World War II, his sons Bernhard and Joachim managed to make a fresh start with craftsmanship and pioneering spirit. The first slippers were made from old car tires—a symbol of inventiveness and perseverance.

1919 – 1946

1919

Pius Gabor founded a shoe and leather goods business in Groß-Strehlitz.

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Fresh Start and Growth

With the founding of the B+J Gabor women’s shoe factory in Barmstedt, a phase of reconstruction began. Technical innovations, such as the introduction of prefabricated soles and expansion into Austria, drove growth. Gabor established itself as a quality brand and opened up new markets in Europe.

1949 – 1970

1949

New beginning: Bernhard and Joachim Gabor founded the B+J Gabor women’s shoe factory in Barmstedt near Hamburg, the predecessor of today's Gabor Shoes GmbH. The first sewing machine, a Singer 34, was traded for their father’s gold pocket watch. So-called “everyman shoes” were the first products, but not necessarily a business yet. They were sold in the immediate vicinity. The California construction method from America was adopted because it allowed production without elaborate machinery.

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Internationalization and Diversity

The brand continues to grow: new production facilities, international joint ventures, and the expansion of the product range characterize this era. Gabor focuses on comfort programs, segments the product offering, and responds to global competitive pressure with innovative production strategies. The introduction of the men’s shoe collection and the expansion of international presence set new standards.

1971 – 1998

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1977

Establishment of a sales office in America, located in the Empire State Building in New York.

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Innovation, Sustainability, and Digitalization

Gabor celebrates its 50th anniversary, launches new product lines and licenses, and responds to economic challenges with flexibility. The brand invests in sustainable manufacturing, family-friendly policies, and digital offerings such as its online marketplace. With “Pius Gabor,” the company expands its portfolio to include high-quality men’s shoes.

1999 – 2023

1999

Gabor celebrates its 50th company anniversary.

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Shaping the Future

The transformation into Gabor Shoes GmbH and the integration into Arklyz AG open up new perspectives. With the brand relaunch in 2026, Gabor presents itself confidently and modern—ready to redefine the needs of a diverse customer base with quality, comfort, and innovative strength.

2025 – 2026

2025

Gabor Shoes AG becomes Gabor Shoes GmbH. A few months later, Gabor becomes part of Arklyz AG, headquartered in Stans, Switzerland. This step opens up new prospects for the company and the brand.

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