PETER KAISER
Caprice (Wortmann Group) · Germany
PETER KAISER is a German women's footwear brand founded in Pirmasens in 1838 by shoemaker Peter Kaiser. Since December 2023 it has been a brand of Caprice Schuhproduktion, part of the Wortmann Group.
| Founded | 1838, Pirmasens |
|---|---|
| Founder | Peter Kaiser |
| Owner | Caprice Schuhproduktion (Wortmann Group) |
| Focus | Women's shoes |
| Website | peter-kaiser.com |
What is PETER KAISER?
PETER KAISER is one of Germany's oldest shoe brands, rooted in Pirmasens, long regarded as the German shoe capital. It makes elegant women's shoes and has also offered handbags.
History
Peter Kaiser founded his shoemaking workshop on 20 January 1838, starting with lightweight slippers. By the early 1840s it was the largest and most modern firm in Pirmasens, and exports began in 1847, reaching Switzerland, the United States, South America and Australia. PETER KAISER GmbH was established in 1913.
In the 1950s the company produced luxury women's outdoor shoes, and by 1965 it employed around 1,000 people across five factories. Key later milestones include:
- Handbag production with Medici Grimm KG from 1994
- Production in Felgueiras, Portugal, from 1999
- An online shop launched in 2012
- Takeover by Caprice in December 2023
Distribution
A US distribution company, PETER KAISER Inc., was formed in 1983. Today the brand is sold through retail partners, online and through an outlet in Pirmasens.
Why it matters
PETER KAISER illustrates the consolidation of Germany's heritage footwear brands, with a 19th century name now integrated into a larger shoe group.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Peter Kaiser from?
PETER KAISER comes from Pirmasens in Germany, where Peter Kaiser founded his shoemaking workshop in 1838.
Who owns Peter Kaiser?
Since December 2023 PETER KAISER has been a brand of Caprice Schuhproduktion, which belongs to the Wortmann Group.