Footwear Insight

footwearinsight.com May/June 2024 ~ Footwear Insight • 15 Cadence provide a unique combination of contoured support with enhanced shock absorbing comfort under the heel and forefoot. Cadence are "Support Made Comfortable". With 9 models to choose from, Cadence are for work, play and everything in between. 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 are doing well and Hoka continues to drive traffic," commented Augustine. How are you feeling regarding business challenges this year? "We are in a much better inventory position this year, especially in athletics," said Jubelirer. "Last year, we were still caught in over-inventoried positions due to supply chain fluctuations. Too much inventory from certain suppliers had backed up in the pipelines, and then was all shipped in a very small window of time… While we have worked our way out of it, it has taken a lot of time, and a lot of markdowns, without much help from certain vendors. When 'partnerships' become tests as they recently have been, we question our loyalties, and change our emphases accordingly." "Challenges continue to be Direct- To-Consumer from the major brands who either discount their product, or those that have exclusives that brick-and-mortar stores can't get in theirs," said Rosen. "Inventory challenges remain from brands that want more and more futures and have less at-once inventory in stock. Some brands are also opening accounts everywhere, taking away business from traditional brick-and- mortar accounts." "We are getting fill-ins for the most part," offered Golden. "Some of the fashion companies are sold out for the season already, so you do need to find something else to take over the shelf space." "I am most worried about the rising cost of doing business and shrinking margins," suggested Augustine. Any thoughts on issues that the footwear industry needs to address today or in the months ahead? "Retail will be challenging as it always has been during election years…ere's plenty of inventory available from the vendors, but our relationships with some of them are fraying. When they are more and more aggressively marketing to my customers, it leaves a very bad taste in our mouths," said Jubelirer. "Our vendors are giving 15 to 20 percent off at checkout online but holding us to MAP policy," commented Augustine. "Just make sure you are communicating with your sales rep with any issues you may have," offered Golden. "ey are there to help you." n "Sandals started to sell earlier. Athleisure is still hot. And the customer is spending a lot more this year as our average sale is up."

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