March / APRIL 2019
Glam Squad & The Pricing Paradox
Check out this glam squad of kids footwear. PLUS: As MSRPs on Children’s Shoes Reach Sky-High Levels, Brands Emphasize Value.
Too much is never enough when it comes to the latest kids styles. Over-the-top embellishments, glitter, shine and color for days make footwear fun and steal the spotlight. PLUS: At the Children’s Great Event Shoe Show in Teaneck, NJ, in February, the buzz was about pricing. Read full story.
The New Vegan Footwear
Demand for animal-free footwear is growing, and brands are betting on new materials to make the category their sustainability vanguards.
Vegan footwear is on the rise. According to retail technology and analytics firm Edited, the number of new animal-product-free footwear options has grown dramatically in the U.S, making up 32 percent of new styles in January, versus only 16 percent of new looks the year before. Read full story.
Marketing Moves
The field is crowded, but digital marketing gives independents an unparalleled connection to the consumer.
There are many things brick-and-mortar shops have down cold. Getting consumers the proper fit and recommending the ideal shoe? That’s table stakes. But when it comes to getting the word out to the wider world with advertising and promotion, well for a lot of independents, that’s a puzzle without an easy solution. Read full story.
Altra Aims High
With a new corporate parent and new Denver offices, Altra is looking ahead, but new brand president Todd Dalhausser wants the brand to stay focused on what’s made them who they are.
Todd Dalhausser is getting used to life on the go. Named as president of running brand Altra last November, Dalhausser — the former SVP of Sales for Saucony North America and an industry veteran with history at both Reebok and Vans — is joining the firm at a time of major transition. Read full story.
Dick’s Sets Investments, Including Staff Footwear Training
Dick's Sporting Goods is investing in the in-store experience, including more training on footwear for staffers. The largest full-line sporting goods chain in the U.S. wants stronger brick-and-mortar productivity through better in-stocks of key items. Read full story.
Chaco’s PrintShop Can Print Anything On Your Z1s — Well, Almost
Chaco is taking customization to the next level with its new MyChacos PrintShop program. Launched in February, PrintShop uses digital printing to let users put anything (almost) on the footbed and webbings of Chaco’s flip-flops, Z/1, Z/2, ZX/1 and ZX/2 models, as well as webbing belts, wrist wraps, and dog leashes and collars for $5 to $10 more. Read full story.
