Footwear Insight

M any consumers have begun participating in new fitness activities this past year. And they are buying new apparel, gear and footwear for those activities. ose are just two of the key takeaways from our latest consumer survey. Strength training, yoga and fitness walking were the top three "new" activities that our survey respondents reported taking part in. And 50 percent of those surveyed said they purchased new apparel for that fitness activity this year, with 48 percent saying they purchased footwear. Running footwear is the most in-demand item, with 72 percent of those surveyed saying they are considering purchasing running shoes this year. Casual shoes, sneakers, hiking shoes and slippers also rated near the top on the "considering purchasing" list. What will entice consumers to shop in-store? We have asked consumers this question multiple times over the past several months, and their answers have shied slightly each time. In the most recent survey, respondents listed the top three aspects that they are seeking from brick-and-mortar stores in the current environment: #1 Require face covering for store associates; #2 Require face covering for customers; #3 Limiting the amount of customers in store at any one time. n e survey, conducted by MESH01, included 373 respondents, men and women, ages 18 to 60 who identify themselves as active and outdoors. Consumer Demand: New Year, New Gear TRENDINSIGHT We surveyed 373 consumers. Here is what they told us. S E I Z E T H E T R E N D ! CARPE TRENDEM Trend Insight Consumer is a feature within Footwear Insight that delivers research conducted on the MESH01 Platform. MESH01 collects data from a select panel of sports enthusiasts. For information on the Mesh1 Platform, contact Brian Bednarek at 603-766-0957 or brian. bednarek@mesh01.com. For more information on Trend Insight Consumer and how your company can participate, contact Jeff Nott at 516-305-4711 or jnott@formula4media.com. Did you try a new sport or fitness activity in 2020? (Select all that apply) If yes, did you purchase any apparel, footwear or related gear for that sport or fitness activity? (Select all that apply) When picking up a new sport or activity, where do you seek out advice when it comes to purchasing your new product? Golf Tennis Rock climbing Pickleball Stand up paddle boarding Kayak/Canoe Road biking Mountain biking Trail running Hiking Running At-Home subscription based training Fitness walking Yoga Strength training Did not try a new sport for fitness activity 4% 5% 5% 8% 9% 11% 11% 12% 17% 19% 22% 23% 23% 24% 24% 25% 5% Purchased Gear/ Accessories/ Equipment Purchased Footwear Purchased Apparel No, but I rented gear for that sport or activity No, I did not purchase anything new Coaches Instructors Retail Sales Associates Family Friends Internet 13% 19% 23% 39% 74% 83% 3% 32% 43% 48% 50% 16 • Footwear Insight ~ January/February 2021 footwearinsight.com

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