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26 • Footwear Insight ~ March/April 2018 footwearinsight.com Spring Things By Jennifer Ernst Beaudry S pring is here and footwear retailers say the coming season has started strong, buoyed by continuing sneaker and sandal trends and underpinned by an ongoing commitment to freshen up their mix and in-store experience to keep consumers coming back. One thing all retailers agree on: Athleisure is still king. "It's definitely been more athletic-inspired, athleisure- type looks that are really ringing the register," John Holden, buyer and merchandiser for Benjamin Lovell Shoes in Philadelphia says. Vulcanized-look sneakers from Taos and Vionic have led the category, he says, and styles with perfed leather uppers are attracting consumer attention in grays, metallics and softer pastel shades that work as wear- now styles. "All ways to interpret the sneaker look have been accepted by our customer," Ed Habre, owner of the eight Shoe Mill stores based in Portland, OR, says. Casual, streamlined options in both fabrics and leathers have been resonating, as have some more embellished styles. "It's just a staple in the wardrobe." But while it's still early in the game, store owners say that opened-up footwear and sandal styles are already strong performers. "You've probably heard that there's this brand called Birkenstock," Shoe Mill's Habre says, noting that his customers are picking up some of the brand's colorful and textural updated looks, but that the classic footbed models (the Arizona, the Mayari, the Gizeh) continue to drive the business. It's a pattern that Alex Carr, owner of Tops for Shoes in Asheville, NC, sees as well. Carr says the strength of the Birkenstock brand over the past several seasons should be improved on this year. "These trends tend to go in two- and three-year cycles and I think this year could be a peak," he says. Carr is also expecting Chaco ("we're in the heart of Chaco country") to have another on-fire year, although he notes that it's too early (and too RETAIL REPORT Athleisure and sandals – and savvy business moves – are keeping retailers bullish on the spring season. Birkenstock Arizona Big Buckle in Ceramic Rose Leather