footwearinsight.com September/October 2023 ~ Footwear Insight • 27
R
elationships take work. But the most
fruitful relationships are more than
worth it. For brands and independent
retailers who are committed to each
other, playing the relationship game
right can be crucial for success. It can be strate-
gic, it can be dramatic, and at its best, it can be
filled with… great products, happy customers
and a healthy bottom line on both the brand
and retail side.
You get the gist: For independent retailers,
partnerships with brands are powerful. And for
the brands committed to partnering with the
independent retail channel, those partnerships
are equally as vital. On the following pages, we
highlight a wide variety of different brands that
are committed to partnerships with independent
footwear retailers. Each have unique product
stories and strategies for success.
In our snapshots, brands weigh in on critical
topics that are integral to the conversation: 1)
e importance of independent retail to their
brand; 2) Keys to a good brand/retail relationship;
and 3) How their brand is navigating hot button
issues for retailers such as product availability,
product pricing and DTC.
POWER IN
PARTNERSHIP
WORKING TOGETHER
In our annual feature, we shine a light on brands committed to
partnerships with independent retailers. Execs talk strategy,
product, relationships (& more). By Cara Griffin
