Anyone who has dressed a toddler knows determining a child’s shoe size can be difficult and mystifying. Aetrex is aiming to solve this common frustration for parents with a new software, Tootsie. Tootsie is a children’s foot scanning technology built within the brand’s Albert 2 Pro premium 3D foot scanner. The program features a friendly monster, Tootsie, who guides children through the foot scanning process in a fun and educational way.
With each scan, the software provides comprehensive and accurate 3D foot measurements and a recommended shoe size. Available now, the new software is already gaining momentum in more than 1,000 retail stores in the U.S. like Tradehome and DSW. Retailers are reporting positive feedback from both sales associates and satisfied customers.
Retailers React to Tootsie
“At DSW, we’re committed to curating the best shoes for our customers to help them put their best foot forward. Since introducing Tootsie™ in select DSW stores, we’ve received fantastic feedback from both parents and kids, who love the fun and interactive shoe shopping experience,” confirms DSW Senior Vice President of Stores and Operations, Melissa Blandford. “The advanced foot scanning technology allows us to offer a personalized fit, ensuring our smallest customers find shoes that not only look great but feel great too. It enhances the shopping experience for families and helps our customers walk out with the perfect pair, every time.”
Industry data reveals kids ages 4-6 are likely to change their shoe size up to three times per year. Only one in three are estimated to wear the proper shoe size. This can lead to foot problems now and later in life, like athlete’s foot and blisters. Once a child stands on the Albert 2 Pro, Tootsie guides them through the foot scanning process, encouraging them to stand still by counting to five before capturing their unique foot data. The talking monster also dances during the seconds-long scanning process, keeping impatient little ones still long enough to get accurate measurements.
“Tootsie is truly changing the game for kid’s shoe shopping. The foot measuring process for kids today typically involves a parent struggling to help put a wiggling child onto a Brannock device, measuring one foot at a time, which is not usually fun for the child or the parent,” adds Larry Schwartz, CEO of Aetrex. “Our goal was to design a kids-specific scanning software to keep the child excited and entertained during the scan process, and to quickly measure both feet at the same time. Shoe shopping for kids should be fun and not like going to the dentist, like it was before Tootsie.”
And since those sizes can change fast, Tootsie sends parents a six-month reminder to get their children’s feet re-scanned. This helps retailers build customer loyalty and encourage repeat visits, as well. Participating retailers also have the option to offer Tootsie-branded swag like balloons, stickers, temporary tattoos, and t-shirts to children who use the foot scanner.
Current Aetrex technology partners who sell children’s shoes can immediately and seamlessly integrate the Tootsie software into their Albert 2 Pro scanners free of charge.
