sportstyle

18 • September 2021 sportstyle • sportstylemag.com disruptions to the product pipeline over the coming months in several ways. It has worked to increase inventory on hand of key styles for up to three months from a normal two; it has diligently kept its sta of 30-plus informed about supply chain issues; it has encouraged core customers to purchase a replacement pair earlier than they would or at least try on other models to have an alternate style in mind in case of out-of-stocks; and it has tried to always remember that it has to 'Live Life with the Unknown' and eventually answer the question—Did we not buy enough or buy too much? Hartner feels that his customers understand the actions his business is taking related to possible delayed deliveries and style outages in the coming months caused by global supply chain issues. And most key vendors have contacted Naperville Running by phone or mail regarding the current situation. "Customers have seen it with autos and restaurants. They understand. We're trying to get ahead of [potential supply chain problems] without trying to seem like we're pushing products on customers," remarks Hartner. While there remain many unknowns about what could happen in late 2021 into the H1 of 2022, the owner says Naperville, which has all its S/S 22 orders on the books, is witnessing reactions by vendors and possible new trends due to market conditions. One involves not dropping MAP pricing on previous models given the updated model might not hit retail until a month or later than initially planned. at action should help maintain margins. Coming out of an August where monthly sales hit an all-time high, Hartner say the topline has been helped by the return of the cross-countr y running segment but has not seen a lot of movement in the top styles his customers regularly seek out. New styles from On that are plusher and more cushioned have received a positive reaction, he says. "Nobody [on the vendor side] is really dropping the ball in a big way right now," says Hartner. "But if a big style doesn't drop, then there might be a big swing." l Customers value having the products where they want to buy them. Kris Hartner, Naperville Running Company ® S u p p o r t M a d e C o m f o r t a b l e A thin 3 mm, the 3/4 SLIM insole provides enhanced, comfort, support and fit for women's low volume flats, boots, athleisure wear, and other low depth dress footwear. Contact us at info@cadenceinsoles.com with questions and complimentary samples l Key Issues Impacting Specialty Run Retail

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