Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/1527259
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 footwearinsight.com September/October 2024 ~ Footwear Insight • 39 do any DTC business. Unlike our competition, we want to partner with our retail channel partners to service our customers. When you think of some of your best retail partners, what words come to mind? Cooperative, Innovative, Strategic, Dependable, Open Minded In 2024, what are some of the biggest challenges (or strategies) to maintaining a good brand/retail relationship? Communication, as more organizations seem to be doing more with less people. Inventory at the wholesale and retail level continues to be a challenge this year. Our No DTC stance eliminates one of the biggest challenges our retailers face. Key Product: We're excited to support our retail partners with the launch of the new Genesis footwear line. To make the rollout seamless and impactful, we've developed a turnkey marketing program designed to drive traffic directly to retail locations. is includes customized geo-targeted campaigns utilizing OTT, billboards, and targeted emails tailored to each retail partner's needs. In addition, we've introduced new POP materials to help enhance the in-store experience and boost sales. — Bianca Boettcher, Marketing Director, orogood XELERO What role does the independent retail channel play in the brand's overall strategy? Retail plays a crucial role. ose rooted in providing the best product for different kinds of foot-related ailments should be fully vested in making all efforts to be a provider of product that makes the lives better of the patient/ customer. When you think of some of your best retail partners, what words come to mind? Passion is no. 1. Having empathy to help others. A sense of humbleness in the fact that we are servants. We get on our hands and knees and touch other people's feet in order to help them. In 2024, what are some of the biggest challenges (or strategies) to maintaining a good brand/retail relationship? Brands have to be part of the success at the store level. Training, Medical nights, and teaching our core values in the overall success of the brand and the retailer. Educating in terms of margins, turn, and overall profitability. "It's not how much money you make that's important, but how much you keep." Some brands are a flash in the pan and others keep the doors open with healthy steady margins. — Michael Arce, National Sales Manager, Xelero n

