Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/1365940
Support Made Comfortable Cadence insoles provide a unique combination of contoured support with enhanced shock absorbing comfort under the heel and forefoot. Cadence are "Support Made Comfortable". Contact us for complimentary samples. See cadenceinsoles.com for more information. ® S u p p o r t M a d e C o m f o r t a b l e • Assorted profiles and flexes to choose from • Durable high-rebound foam and support materials • Exclusive in-store only models available • No minimums, free pairs for referral sources, satisfaction guarantee, drop shipping, and more What more needs to be done by your retail members? Investing in digital tools and embracing data and information sources is going to be a strong direction for our members going forward. Do you think there is a new understanding between your retail members and your brand members regarding Direct To Consumer selling by brands? Retailers understand that brands are going to sell direct. What they want is to partner in that effort. I like to tell brands, 'Think of each of your retailers as a mini- warehouse for your products.' There's an efficiency there and a higher level of customer connection if you do it right, and we have some innovative brands that are figuring out how to effectively include their retail accounts in their DTC efforts. The RIA of course strongly encourages that. What's that status of the RIA KICK Show this year? Unfortunately, we've had to cancel the KICK show again. Mid-May is our window for the buying show format for KICK, and our members won't be quite ready to meet in person. As we move into summer, we'll look for other opportunities to serve our members and create connections, so stay tuned! What about RIA initiatives in 2021? Can you provide some details on anything you may be working on? I'm really proud of what we've done to create member connection and provide information. Our member forum has become a fantastic peer-sharing forum. We've launched our Brand Showcase, where retailers can easily grab brand content. Our new RIA Connect app allows members to get information, sign up for events, and connect with each other on their mobile devises. We've also launched our new RIA Pulse Newsletter, and our Webinar Wednesdays series is getting rave reviews. How do you see the running market playing out for the remainder of 2021 and into 2022? I'm happy to say that I see not only a recovery, but growth. I always marvel when so-called industry insiders look at very narrow data sets and claim that run specialty is vulnerable. The fact is the channel remains strong. There is always room for new and innovative products, as well as new and innovative business platforms, and that is providing a lot of momentum for the channel that will serve it well this year and beyond. n THE FOOTWEAR EYE Retailers understand that brands are going to sell direct. What they want is to partner in that effort. RUN footwearinsight.com May 2021 ~ Footwear Insight | Sports Edition • 9