The Amazon Age: It is the ultimate elephant in the room. Not a single industry-related conversation of late goes by without its name ...
Taking Stock: David Kahan, CEO of Birkenstock Americas, on the brand-wide plan to do the right thing—even if it means pulling the cork on the world’s fastest growing retailer.
The Age of Disruption: Amid turbulent and unpredictable times, designers pull inspiration from near and far for Spring ’17.
Game of Thrones: Clinton or Trump? Regardless of who the next leader of the free world may be, each will affect sourcing, sales and style in their own unique ways.
Great Danes: Ecco marks its silver anniversary in the States, a legacy built on design innovation, premium quality and supreme comfort.
Father Knew Best: Looking back three decades, Rick Muskat, executive vice president and principal of Deer Stags Concepts and FDRA chairman, reflects on the fatherly advice that has served as the backbone to the third-generation family business.
Food Run: Classic sneaker silhouettes the never get old.
Shaky Times: Analysts weigh in on the recent rash of retail bankruptcies and store closings, which beg the question: Is this the end of the retail world as we know it?
Young at Heart: With a focus on lightweight technologies and athletic-infused styling, work boot makers are adapting to a Millennial-driven workforce dominated by tech and service industries.
Walk this Way: The evolution of sportstyle: lightweight sneakers with natty knit uppers stretch far beyond the gym for spring.
Bold and Beautiful: Super chunky platform sandals with funky cutouts pump up the volume on a summer staple.
The Rockport Files: Led by industry veteran Bob Infantino and under new ownership, a dedicated team of experts is on a journey to make Rockport great—again.
Audacious Aussies: Ladies Down Under go over the top with statement shoes anchoring loose, breezy outfits.
Power Couples: From baroque to boho, meet fall’s shoe-and-bag soul mates.
Cool in Canada: From punky to funky, anything goes in the Great White North.
Norm to the Core: Mark Lardie, CEO of Rack Room Shoes and Off Broadway Shoe Warehouse chains, proudly embraces the traditional family footwear format—and here’s why.
Game Changer: With a new management team in place overseeing a streamlined portfolio, Dave Powers, CEO of Deckers Brands, discusses the lifestyle brand opportunities that lie ahead amid a rapidly evolving retail landscape.
A Touch of Gray: Naot CEO Steve Lax looks back on the long, strange trip from ’60s idealist to 21st-century realist—and the wisdom gained along the way.
High Times: Men’s hi-tops elevate style with textured leathers and canvas prints.
Velvet Sky: The plus fabric transforms everyday styles into stars.
Pony Tales: Depending on the shade, pony hair adds Western flair or notes of punkish rebellion.
It Goes Without Saying: Has the comfort footwear category finally reached a point in its evolution where the descriptive is no longer even warranted?
Doing the Right Things: Jeffrey Goldfarb, director of business development for G-III, licensor of G.H. Bass, on relaunching the iconic American heritage brand the right way.
Body Blows: The hits just keep coming lately—and they’ve got many retailers on the ropes.
Standing Firm: Mark Jubelirer, president of Reyers Shoe Store in Sharon, PA, reflects on his decision to remodel and remain in his beloved steel town.
Changing of the Guard: Marking Washington Shoe Company’s 125th anniversary, Karl and Rob Moehring, CEO and chairman respectively, reflect on four generations of family ownership and the exciting road ahead.
Meet the Yuccie: The latest millennial archetype is a major trend-setter seeking meaningful brand relationships.
Get a Grip: The sneakerboot is gaining traction in a world gone mad for sneakers.
Hot Rocks: Glitzy jeweled embellishments steal the show.
Hot…and Cold: This Just In...from Miami and Toronto
Good Deeds: Industry members join forces as part of Two Ten Footwear Foundation’s fourth annual Footwear Cares initiative—this time to assist impoverished and disabled kids in their communities.
Bell-Bottom Blues: It’s time to let go of the Seventies, at least for a little while.
Balancing Act: Stefano Caroti, president of omni-channel for Deckers Brands, on why retail success requires seamless integration of innovation with time-honored tenets.
Story Time: Gary Champion, president of Earth Brands, on how the company’s contemporary design aesthetic is gaining momentum and why it’s an ideal time to tell that story.
Elements of Style: The fashion-meets-function story has been trending for several seasons now, but the outdoor category has seen the greatest gains and acceptance of melding style and substance.
Get Shorty: Basking in an abnormally warm fall, Toronto women cut their boots down to size for added versatility.
Piece Work: Boho meets Soho in chic suede patchwork booties.
Calling All Scholars: The Two Ten Footwear Foundation Scholarship Program is open to all industry members and their families—spread the word.
Brain Trust: The smart move: Footwear Plus partners with Two Ten Footwear Foundation on its annual Scholarship Program.
Prophet Sharing: Gazing into the surprisingly bright future with “retail prophet” Doug Stephens—and what retailers should do now to make the most of it.
StarStruck: Irregular Choice’s Star Wars–themed collection is out of this world.
Filling in the Dots: Jan Brinkmann, president of Tamaris USA, on the leading European lifestyle brand’s launch stateside—and why timing, analytics and great shoes are the key ingredients in its recipe for success.
Shine On: Street chic receives extra wattage thanks to shimmering, high-shine attire in iridescent hues that are anything but basic.
All Pain, No Gain: With millions of Americans suffering from foot-related ailments, we need a national retail destination dedicated to helping them.
Family Values: Bruce Munro, CEO of Munro & Co., reflects on how recent sourcing model changes and a fresh distribution partnership mark a new era.
Ready to Wear: No longer a style stigma, the sensible shoe movement is in step with a larger wearable technology trend that demands functional fashions.
Story Time: Entrepreneur and master of retail reinvention Rachel Shechtman shares insights from Story, her unique rotating concept store in New York, and offers advice on how retailers can create success stories of their own.
Loose Ends: Ballet flats receive an elegant update with strappy, tie-up laces.
Kicks Starter: Fashion Week goers in London and Milan went casual, trading towering heels for cool kicks and effortless street-style chic.
Mod Moves: Athletic-Inspired soles add a little muscle to spring sandals.
Electric Avenue: Contrasting soles, neon leather accents and fluorescent laces give a jolt of style.
