Footwear Plus

Attendance at February's Offprice show in Las Vegas jumped 6 percent as 11,006 buyers streamed through the doors of the Sands Expo at the Venetian and Palazzo, the largest attendance in more than four years. Touting more than 500 vendors in 131,000 square feet of space, footwear and swimwear emerged as major growth categories at the Feb. 17-20 show. 

The consumers have spoken - 6,428 to be precise. Fifteen-year-old  Megan McDonald has been chosen as the new face of Cougar Boots. Just over a month ago the company set out in a branded truck, offering fans the opportunity to see the new Pillow Boot collection, try on the boots of their choice and be photographed in them. This photo then became their entry into the contest to become the brand's new face. McDonald's billboard ad will be displayed on the corner of King and Spadina Ave in Toronto from Feb. 11 to Mar. 10. 

Last Friday night Bearpaw threw open the doors of its Citrus Heights, CA, shop for its second annual Wine, Women & Boots event, offering 50 percent off the entire store, as well as wine, appetizers and a sneak peek at the Fall '13 collection. "It's been a great opportunity for us to bond with consumers and really build a relationship with them that will last for years to come. These types of things go a long way in establishing ourselves in the Sacramento area and gaining market share," says Randy McKinley, vice president, sales and marketing at Bearpaw Footwear. 

As other industry tradeshows make format adjustments and shift dates in attempt to retain exhibitors and hold onto attendees, The Atlanta Shoe Market (TASM) continues to build on its strong growth of recent years by staying true to its principles and practices: convenient, affordable and housed under one roof . The TASMs 2010 Fall Market edition, scheduled for Feb.

19-21 at Atlantas Cobb Galleria Center in the Renaissance Waverly Hotel, is sold out-again. . .