Footwear Insight

TRENDINSIGHT consumer PEOPLE WANT MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THEMSELVES — AND they're open to the technology that gives it to them. That's the takeaway from our survey with Mesh01 about the consumer's openness to the new generation of foot scanning systems that have been rolling out in the past several years. A long way from the shoe-fitting fluoroscope X-ray machines of the mid-20th century, the scanners being installed today from brands like Aetrex and Superfeet, promise accurate measurement of size and width as well as a host of other features such as instep, arch height, and even gait characteristics and likely shoe fit by brand. And the results from our survey of 115 men and women ages 18 to 65 is clear: Consumers are intrigued, and they feel positively about the scanners and their accuracy. While most shoppers have never encountered a scanner —only 16 percent of respondents had had their feet scanned, versus the 58 percent of respondents who have their feet measured at least sometimes in store — responses to "If you saw a foot scanner in a store, what would you think?" indicated that the sizable majority would be open to trying it. But what was also clear was that consumers didn't want the information in a vacuum. Time and again, respondents made clear that they would want a store to provide context for the results of the scan, what it means in terms of the needs they have and the products they should consider. And those positive feelings they have about the scanners transfer to the stores that carry them: 73 percent of consumers polled said they would think more positively of a store that offered a scan as part of its fit process, and 63 percent said having a scan on file with a store would make them more likely to shop there. Yes Yes No No 58% 16% 42% 84% 44 • Footwear Insight ~ September/October 2018 What Consumers Think of Foot Scanning The panel consisted of 115 men and women ages 18 to 65. More positively No effect on my opinion 27% When you visit a shoe store, do you have your feet measured? Have you ever had your feet assessed with an in-store foot scanner? Would you think more or less positively of a store that incorporated a foot scanner in the fit proccess? See page 48 to read related responses to this question. TAKE AWAY: A notable amount of customers aren't regularly being measured and assessed. TAKE AWAY: Despite the interest in scanning technology, a wide majority of shoppers have never encountered one. 73% It would 100 percent make me come back. I think it would help me know what my perfect fit would be. The store is more in tune with customer needs and has a genuine desire to fulfill them accurately. Shows the retailer is progressive and wants to get the best fitting shoes for their clients. Good for the average consumer as long as it is a free service and it is accurate and reliable. I wouldn't want to pay much extra for a scan. Once I had a scan done I wouldn't expect to need a scan each time I bought shoes. Reliable store, committed to true fit. Some stores have scanners, but have sales associates who aren't able to apply the information. Other stores that do not have scanners, but have knowledgeable sales associates, are superior.

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