Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/1524276
those in some circles ponder whether recent inflationary concerns could impact what and how much is purchased by parents and students this year. • Consumers will shop according to their calendar, not retail's. Despite early brand and retailer marketing promotion at B-T-S 2023, most seasonal footwear purchases were made closer to school starting dates. Last year, footwear sales peaked during the first two weeks of August. • Footwear sales for kids and teens will outpace adult purchases. Weather fluctuations and tighter budgets are prompting consumers to focus on the footwear needed in the moment. B-T-S shopping has dried to buying what children need to start school first rather than the tradition of purchasing new kicks for the whole family during the period. During the 12 months ended April 2024, footwear sales for kids and teens under 18 in-creased by 7 percent, but declined by 3 percent for adults, reported the Circana Consumer Tracker. • e pandemic-driven ups and downs in promotional activity in recent seasons will subside. Promotional activity should be more typical this B-T-S season, even though many consumers remain focused on value. Quality, price, and child and teen requests score higher than promotions/discounts on a Q1 Circana survey. "Fashion tends evolve annually, and we are committed to staying abreast of these changes while remaining true to our mission," commented Jayson Nix, director of inventory and facilities for abbadabba's, the Tucker, GA-based retailer that also operates coolshoes. com. "Our mission is centered on being Atlanta's premier source for innovative and health-conscious footwear. is commitment guides our selection process, ensuring that we offer the latest styles and trends that align with our mission's goals." Looking beyond the B-T-S window, Impact Analysis reporting on the recent Amazon Prime Days suggests retailers should prepare for cautious consumers during the upcoming holiday season. footwearinsight.com July/August 2024 ~ Footwear Insight • 15 B-T-S shopping has drifted to buying what children need to start school first rather than the tradition of purchasing new kicks for the whole family during the period. 1. 100% Sustainable Upper Materials 2. Antiviral Sole 3. Hybrid-Air Insole (Recycled & Removable) 4. Techno Elastic Upper 5. Twin Arch Support System 5 Pillars of Technology Available now at Simco Imported Shoes weloveshoes@simcoimportedshoes.com www.simcofootwear.com 1-800-536-5938 ARCOPEDICO 7-24-01.indd 1 ARCOPEDICO 7-24-01.indd 1 7/18/24 6:20 PM 7/18/24 6:20 PM