Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/1521285
6 • Footwear Insight ~ May/June 2024 footwearinsight.com I n April, Foot Locker unveiled a new retail concept that the company says aims to "deliver an elevated shopping experience and unrivaled customer service." e new retail format made its debut at Foot Locker's Willowbrook Mall location in Wayne, NJ. Foot Locker says it will incorporate learnings from this concept into new stores. So, what concepts are new in the store? It features a bold storefront, distinct in-store environment, expanded footwear and acces- sory selections, an emphasis on sustainability, dynamic digital fixtures, and other techno- logical touches, including more technology in the hands of its staffers. roughout 2024, additional locations of Foot Locker's new store concept will open, including the brand's 34th Street flagship location in New York City. The new store concept's features include: Immersive Shopping Journey: A "modern and streamlined approach" to store layout via an intuitive shopping journey that encourages discovery and easy navigation. New and Exclusive Releases: Bright new sections near the store's entrance that prominently spotlight Foot Locker's latest sneaker releases and trending products, giving customers a reason to return. Elevated Brand Storytelling: Dynamic sto- rytelling opportunities for brand partners to enhance product presentations, allowing consumers to better understand features and benefits, and find products faster. Communal Try-On Area: A new distinct zone at the store's core, offering a com- munal sneaker try-on experience. Sneaker Hub: A destination dedicated to strengthening connections with customers while "enriching their path to purchase." Sneaker Hub offers things such as spe- cialized lacing customization, expanded Omni ordering choices, and personalized FLX experiences. Advanced Technology: Digital technology advances to equip staffers with omni- channel inventory availability, providing customers with multiple fulfillment options and transforming the in-store checkout journey. n Foot Locker's 'Store of the Future' Concept RETAIL STRATEGY THE FOOTWEAR EYE