ere is power in partnership. For independent retailers, partnerships with brands are particularly
powerful. And for brands committed to supporting the independent retail channel, those
partnerships are equally as vital. As key issues such as Direct-to-Consumer selling, inventory
drama (first too little, now too much!), supply chain challenges, and more, continue to impact
the market, brand and retail relationships as important as ever. On the following pages, we
highlight 18 brands who are committed to partnerships with independent retailers. What
are these brands doing that makes them stand out? And why is the independent channel so
important to them? ese brand snapshots highlight key initiatives and standout products
to watch, and explore brand strategies when it comes to the independent retail channel.
KEY INITIATIVES, PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS + BRAND STRATEGY:
SHINING A SPOTLIGHT ON BRANDS COMMITTED TO PARTNERING
WITH INDEPENDENT RETAILERS. BY CARA GRIFFIN
BETTER
TOGETHER
footwearinsight.com September/October 2022 ~ Footwear Insight • 41
