Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/1354534
16 • Footwear Insight ~ March/April 2021 footwearinsight.com RETAIL seek the store out during trips and vacations, as well as helping to serve local customers. Going for ward, he said, the store is working on ways to make the online shopping experience hew even closer to its in-store counterpart. "That's going to be our challenge: to continue to hone that customer experience as much as possible, and ultimately, to mimic the in-store experience as much as possible," he said. "We're not going to compete with the big dogs — but what can we do to impart that flavor?" Karavel Shoes is betting that some of the trend shifts the pandemic intensified are permanent — and is acting accordingly. According to Ravel, the store has secured special financing and is using it to gut the store and rebrand under a new tagline: "Footwear for the Active Lifestyle." The remodel will refresh the look of the store with new fixtures, paint and furniture as well as a remodel that will give more space to athletic and outdoor styles. "Everything we've read said that after this pandemic, you need to literally start out as a new store," Ravel said. "And that's exactly what we're getting ready to do." While there's still uncertainty for independent shops, retailers said they're looking ahead to change that finally seems like it might be in sight. At Market Street Shoes, for one, the Stauffers have started cautiously beginning to think, at least, about hosting their normal anniversary sale in the store — this year that marks their 15th in the business. "I definitely see a light at the end of the tunnel," Lanne Stauffer said. "I feel very bullish and optimistic." n Fleet Feet Nashville. Market Street Shoes. Karavel Shoes. "In this moment, customers are looking for their go-tos — Dankso, Hoka One One, Birkenstock. Staples are what people are coming out and spending money on." Lanne Stauffer, Market Street Shoes Karavel Shoes has secured special financing and is using it to gut the store and rebrand under a new tagline: "Footwear for the Active Lifestyle." The remodel will refresh the look of the store with new fixtures, paint and furniture as well as a remodel that will give more space to athletic and outdoor styles.