Footwear Insight

Is it time to try something new? We think so. This issue of Footwear Insight is full of people and companies taking a fresh approach to business, and putting it together has been frankly inspiring. It's no secret that the customer is game for a shakeup. In this issue's Trend Insight feature, we asked shoppers about their spring buying plans, and guess what? Our respondents said that they're looking for not just new styles but also new brands to try. And they had something else to say that's good news for anybody in the brick-and-mortar biz: When it comes to finding those new brands, it's the display that does it. For the largest number of respondents — seeing an enticing style on display is the single biggest reason they're willing to try on a new-to-them brand. Seeing the style, in fact, is an even bigger motivation than a recommendation from a friend. Check out more of what consumers had to say on page 46. And brands and retailers are open to experimenting, too. The story of Foot Locker's rebound from a disappointing 2017 is the tale of a $7.9 billion company changing up not only their operating structure but, as CEO Dick Johnson shares in our interview on page 20, about trying a holistic new way of looking at digital and online sales — and making a slew of investments in new fields. The story of Tom Adams is another example. Senior editor Bob McGee went to Texas to meet the serial entrepreneur and founder of Kaepa shoes, who at 87 is back on the market with a laceless closure system for shoes, which you can read about on page 44. Or take, for example, outsoling firm Vibram. More than 80 years after founder Vitale Bramani put the company on the map within the footwear industry, the firm is putting itself forward to speak directly to consumers — and opening a Consumer Experience Center in downtown Boston to do it. But for me, one of the most interesting reflections on what taking a new tack can do came while I was talking to brick-and-mortar independents. Adam White is taking a gamble with a complete rebrand of community stalwart Running Central, now known as RC Outfitters. (See his story on page 14.) For this issue's Crowd Source, we interviewed three savvy store owners who have remodeled and revamped their shops to get their best advice, and you can see their recommendations to make the best of a daunting process on page 18. Like I said, being immersed in the fearless attitudes on display has got me thinking about all the ways, big and little, we can try out some new things and maybe shake up our thinking. But what I want to know is what you'll be trying out this season. Drop me a line at jbeaudry@formula4media.com and let me know — we'll be cheering for you. Give it a Try TIMEOUT | JENNIFER ERNST BEAUDRY 6 • Footwear Insight ~ May/June 2019 footwearinsight.com

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