Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/1532007
32 • Footwear Insight ~ January/February 2025 footwearinsight.com "I would love for retailers to leverage their collective strengths by sharing honestly and openly with one another. e problem with being an 'independent' retailer is that it can be lonely, and we are all working on similar issues separately. We are much stronger when we work together." Garrett Breton, Comfort One Shoes "We wish success and prosperity to all independent retailers. Small shops helped to build the footwear industry, and a broad and strong base of retailers helps everyone — shoppers, manufacturers, and retailers alike." Chris Stanley, Lamey-Wellehan Shoes "My aspiration for the industry is that we, as a collective, can effectively convey to the public the necessity of shoe stores. Many of our clients express deep gratitude for our presence in the market. We change lives. It is our duty to communicate this message more effectively to the broader community." Jeffrey Seidman, Ahh Comfort Shoes "Wow, this is tough. It would be to have our vendors to not look so much like each other. Be adventurous in design and comfort. We merchandise our stores to be on the cutting edge of comfort and style, so why does the footwear industry get so stagnant and afraid of stepping and looking a little different than their competitors? Our customers will only buy that same item maybe two or three times, then they want something different." Steve Purdum, Brown's Shoe Fit Co. Hutchinson "My wish for the footwear industry in 2025 would be for better support from vendors in not discounting their current MAP pricing with online specials and sales." Sue Orischak, Soleful Endeavors "I'd wish for a crystal ball to show me exactly what brands and styles to buy and how much of it!" Kellee Bussard, e Shoe Box "For customers to take risks on trying new brands!" Josh Habre, Shoe Mill "Our wish for the footwear business in 2025 is to see the industry embrace sustainability as a core value—making eco-conscious materials and practices the Matthew Roberts, fabrications manager, Boger's Shoes. Comfort One Shoes president Garrett Breton's daughter Josephine shows off a replica of Judy Garland's famous "Wizard of Oz" footwear at Comfort One's Old Town Alexandria store. If you had one wish for the footwear business in 2025, what would it be… RETAIL WISH UPON A STAR…