Nordstrom started as a shoe store in 1901, and its 2024 “Make Room for Shoes” campaign is striving to bring the retailer back to its roots. “We want to be our customers’ go-to retailer for shoes,” confirms Executive Vice President and General Merchandise Manager, Tacey Powers. “We’re constantly working on ways to stay top of mind for them, and one of the ways we do this is by inspiring them with a curated selection of the world’s best brands across all price points.”
Along with leading brands, Nordstrom re-launched its own namesake brand this month, grounded by shoes with simple hardware, elongated shapes, rich leather and quality construction. The designs aim to straddle durability and accessibility, with an array of strappy sandals, mules, ballet flats, espadrilles, and more starting at $69.95.
“Make Room For Shoes” began with a 30-day lead of running brand On’s new Cloudspark sneaker. Then, in March, Nordstrom collaborated with Sam Edelman to launch a capsule designed with students from the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). The Sam Edelman x SCAD capsule celebrates the Caleres brand’s 20th anniversary with styles offered exclusively at 33 select Nordstroms.
“Mentoring the next generation of talent is a cornerstone of Sam Edelman’s commitment to the future of design,” remarked Jesse Edelman, general manager and senior vice president of the Sam Edelman division. “Our collaboration with the SCAD students is a testament to our belief in supporting the rising generation of professionals, providing them with a platform to express their visions under the guidance of an established brand.”
What’s Next for Nordstrom’s Make Room For Shoes?
Exclusive collaborations with Birkenstock in April and Larroudé in May are slated to follow. In its Q4 2023 report, Nordstrom listed beauty, active, and apparel as its strongest growth categories, but is doubling down on footwear with “Make Room for Shoes.”
Above all, Powers is confident in the retailer’s longstanding ability to meet the customer’s needs. “I have worked in shoes at Nordstrom for almost 20 years, and truly have the best job,” she notes. “I support a group of shoe buyers who lead with a product-first mindset and are committed to making Nordstrom a trusted footwear resource, giving customers the opportunity to discover what’s next in shoes across all life stages and customer needs, including new brands and product categories.”
