Footwear Insight

footwearinsight.com March/April 2025 ~ Footwear Insight • 19 How would you describe consumer spending/consumer confidence so far this year? "We have seen a small decline in foot traffic but consumers coming in are still spending. We saw an increase in business the first week of March. Consumers seem to want to buy early to avoid any high cost that may come later this summer." Alicia Murray, Murray's Shoes, Littleton, CO "Consumer spending is off a bit. ey are holding back, and I believe trying to make better decisions about purchases." Mike Jones, A Proper Fit, Reno, NV "So far this year my sales are strong! Even with being closed very unexpectedly for nearly a week in January from our southern 'Sneaux Days' we still managed to be up over last year. Q1 is looking pretty positive! We've seen an uptick in multiple items per ticket which I believe represents positive consumer confidence." Brenda Felger, Felger's Footwear, Houma, LA Are there any new or continuing business issues impacting your business? "I think the constant threat of tariffs and rising costs are our biggest challenges to the business. Trying to stay positive and focus on doing what we do best, customer service. I do believe the current situation is bringing awareness back to small business and the importance of supporting local business. We are also focused on generating excitement and partnering with a few of our vendors this spring to do events." Alicia Murray, Murray's Shoes "Returns are up. This was always an issue, but usually a small one. We've had to tighten our return policy. Shorter time. When a customer asks more than once what the return policy is, we may ask them if they would like to wait on the purchase until they are more certain of their needs. I believe this helps eliminate some of the conversations on returns of slightly worn or borrowed shoes. We have a great customer base, and most days are filled with helping people walk more." Mike Jones, A Proper Fit "My biggest challenge is still staffing. People just don't seem to want to work retail. With that said, I am excited to say that my oldest daughter will join her sister and I in the business; she is an educator, so part of her focus will be in training. In addition, my 18-year-old granddaughter is also working with us, concentrating on our social media accounts. ree generations strong!" Brenda Felger, Felger's Footwear At A Proper Fit in Reno, NV, the strongest selling categories this year are comfort, walking and sandals, along with some athletic styles. "I think the constant threat of tariffs and rising costs are our biggest challenges to the business. Trying to stay positive and focus on doing what we do best, customer service. I do believe the current situation is bringing awareness back to small business and the importance of supporting local business." ALICIA MURRAY, MURRAY'S SHOES "The hot commodities continue to be athletics — Hoka, Brooks and New Balance for me." BRENDA FELGER FELGER'S FOOTWEAR

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