Footwear Insight

38 • Footwear Insight ~ September/October 2024 footwearinsight.com Finally, if a retailer needs products drop- shipped we are glad to do it, and we never contact their customers or request customer email addresses. — Marc Goldberg, Owner/GM, Bonapeda SAMUEL HUBBARD What role does the independent retail channel play in the brand's overall strategy? Independent retailers are a critical piece of our distribution. Everything we make comes in at least two widths and all our footbeds are removable, so we are a brand that aligns with how they like to service consumers. When you think of some of your best retail partners, what words come to mind? We're a family-owned company that prides itself on doing things the right way and building trust which is how pretty much all the great independent retailers behave. It's been a joy to reconnect with so many of them and a reminder that doing business should be fair but fun and there's room for both of us to be successful together. In 2024, what are some of the biggest challenges (or strategies) to maintaining a good brand/retail relationship? We never promote in-line products on our site, so the retailers never have to look over their shoulders to see if we're competing. Key Product: The Camino. This shoe is a great representation of who we are — a beautiful casual walker that is an alternative to sneakers yet delivers that level of comfort and support. It comes in American sizes whole and half and in medium and wide and sure looks better at work, or at dinner, or on a trip than a knit sneaker. Bottom Line: We're proud to be an incredibly retailer friendly brand and we intend to grow those partnerships over the coming years. — Steven Mahoney, SVP Sales, Samuel Hubbard SORBOTHANE What role does the independent retail channel play in the brand's overall strategy? Independent retailers have been key to our strategy since our start over 40 years ago. We know that the independent retailer is the partner we need. ey take great care to provide personal attention to everyone that visits their storefront. When you think of some of your best retail partners, what words come to mind? We think of independent retailers as our partners. Building blocks of our communities. ey are fixtures in our neighborhoods. ey offer employment opportunities and contribute to area charity events. It's where we go for first- hand guidance and the best products, from people we trust. In 2024, what are some of the biggest challenges (or strategies) to maintaining a good brand / retail relationship? Communication is key... always will be. We reach out to our retail partners, to listen. We need to hear their ideas and share in any challenges. We discuss many things, from product ideas and innovations to customer service support. To design, produce and deliver a superior Sorbothane Insole we require the retailer's input and their knowledge of the customer's needs. Handling hot button issues for retailers such as DTC, shipping costs, product availability & pricing: We produce our entire line of premium insoles in the US. Our design staff, offices and production facilities are in Kent, Ohio and we are able to produce and deliver our insoles without interruption and at a fair price. I encourage our retail partners to give me a call directly with any question or special requests. — David Church, President, Sorbothane TÄŌS What role does the independent retail channel play in the brand's overall strategy? e independent retail channel is truly the heart of täōs. We're passionate about this channel because it's where we believe consumers can truly connect with our brand for the first time and for repeat purchases. For 20 years, täōs has been craing premium, classic footwear with a unique focus on our exclusive, innovative footbeds. ese supportive footbeds are the cornerstone of our brand, aligning perfectly with the personalized, consultative approach that independent and specialty stores offer their customers. Our dedication to this retail channel has built strong, trust-based partnerships over the years. It's a two-way street: we listen to our partners, and they listen to us. We support each other, leading to a cycle of creating high-quality products that resonate with consumers. When you think of some of your best retail partners, what words come to mind? Intelligent, smart. ey have character and integrity. Supportive. They care (about customers, partners, good products, people) In 2024, what are some of the biggest challenges (or strategies) to maintaining a good brand/retail relationship? täōs will continue to work hard, listen, adapt and respond to the evolving challenges of 2024 and beyond. e key is, and has always been, open and honest communication. Our commitment to consistent communication, and our solid relationships with our retail partners, remains crucial to creating strategies and tactics that not only build our brand but strengthen our retail partners in the independent channel. At täōs our goal is to grow our brand while ensuring the mutual success of our longstanding independent retail partners. — Mike Walker, Head of Marketing, täōs THOROGOOD What role does the independent retail channel play in the brand's overall strategy? e retail channel is our only strategy. We do not POWER IN PARTNERSHIP

• Cover