26 • Footwear Insight ~ September/October 2024 footwearinsight.com
POWER IN
PARTNERSHIP
Passionate. Authentic.
Knowledgeable. Transparent.
Building blocks of community. These
are just a few of the words used by
footwear brands when asked about the
traits of their best retail partners. Being
strong partners in business is no easy
feat (for retailers or brands). Companies
all face their own unique challenges and
have a myriad of strategies for success.
Brands have many opportunities to sell
to and reach consumers outside of the
independent channel. But for many
footwear brands, the independent
channel is crucial to their success and
strategy. On the following pages, you'll
hear from 20 different brands who are
committed to success at independent
retail. All these brands have been
highlighted to us by retailers as strong
partners. These brands share their
insight not only into why they value
the independent channel, but also
about the challenges they face and
the strategies they use to make those
relationships work.
ara Ollie
