Shoes of Prey, the online retailer that lets shoppers customize their shoes, has partnered with Nordstrom to house its first offline presence in the U.S., a “Design Your Own Shoes” studio concept, in six major locations across the country. The first will open at the retailer’s Bellevue Square location in Bellevue, WA, with the remainder set to open by Q1 of 2015.
“We are fulfilling a demand where customers are looking to participate in the design process to get exactly what they want,” says Shoes of Prey CEO and Co-Founder Michael Fox. “Together we see customization and manufacturing on demand as the future of retail.”
Nestled against the back wall of the Nordstrom shoe floor, customers will find a table with multiple iPads featuring the brand’s 3-D designer and, within reach, swatches of 170-plus materials. Expert “shoe stylists” will be available to guide consumers through the process so that they can create the exact combination that reflects their personal style and fashion needs. Once finalized and purchased, the designs are all hand-made and sent directly to the customer’s home in less than four weeks.
“We’re always looking for the best merchandise and experience for our customers and we know there is something special about finding just the right pair of shoes,” says Scott Meden, Nordstrom EVP and GMM of shoes. “We’re excited for our customers to experience firsthand a chance to design their own pair.” Further locations for the Shoes of Prey Design Studio at Nordstrom include: Paramus, NJ; Pentagon City, VA; Oakbrook, IL; Fashion Island, CA; and San Francisco Center, CA.
