Footwear Distributors and Retailers of America (FDRA)

Join FDRA and Greg Petro, CEO of First Insight, Inc. next Wednesday, September 4th for a FREE webinar at 2PM! Step into the future of footwear retail with our exclusive think tank session tailored for industry leaders. In this session, we'll dive deep into the transformative power of Voice-of-Customer (VoC) data and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in reshaping product design and development. Whether you're looking to sharpen your competitive edge or streamline your retail operations, this session offers the insights you need to walk confidently into the next era of footwear retail success. RSVP HERE: https://lnkd.in/g6piU6-V

This week on Shoe-In Show listen in as Dr. Fernando Pena, an orthopedic surgeon and co-founder of Julieta Barcelona, offers his unique approach to designing shoes. Arising from Fernando’s wife’s struggle to find fashionable yet comfortable shoes, this emerging shoe brand was founded to provide a pain-free option for fashionable and professional women. With Fernando’s medical background he has a distinct understanding of foot mechanics crucial in designing truly comfortable shoes. His mantra, everyone deserves to walk pain-free, drives the brand’s mission. LISTEN NOW: https://lnkd.in/e2Kuw2ed

With proposals for significant tariff increases likely in 2025, FDRA is holding our Shoe Trade & Logistics Summit in Portland, OR this September! Footwear leaders and experts will share critical updates on preparing for new tariffs: existing trade tools, cost savings measures, and sourcing strategies. Check out the panel below with Jim Salzano, President & CEO of Jones & Vining. You don't want to miss out on this summit! Visit https://lnkd.in/ek5UF2NS to register now.

🚨 ONE MORE MONTH! With proposals for significant tariff increases likely in 2025, FDRA is holding our Shoe Trade & Logistics Summit in Portland, OR this September! Footwear leaders and experts will share critical updates on preparing for new tariffs: existing trade tools, cost savings measures, and sourcing strategies. Check out the panel below with Peter Hohensee, VP Global Supply Chain North America, Rack Room Shoes moderated by Matt Priest, President & CEO, FDRA. You don't want to miss out on this summit! Visit https://lnkd.in/ek5UF2NS to register now.

Have you listened to this week's episode of the Shoe-In Show podcast? Footwear is a constant battle with consumer expectations around fit. Jones & Vining leaders join us to discuss the central role their company plays with both new and traditional footwear brands to perfect fit and comfort. They share how they are now leveraging consumer trends, and using new technology, to help brands at the start of the process and also in the factory. Listen now at: https://lnkd.in/edHmd629

NEXT THURSDAY! Join our FREE webinar featuring Peter Hughes, Lily Cuthbertson, and Rhian Owen of Eurofins for the latest updates on the EU Deforestation Regulation (EU DR) and its impact on organizations. Learn about the regulation’s requirements, sustainability through digital innovation, and strategies for compliance. Discover practical tools and solutions, including deforestation assessment and mapping technologies. Register Here: https://lnkd.in/ewiDqSZc

RETHINK! Have we been thinking about shoe sustainability ALL WRONG?! Join us September 17th, in Portland, OR for the panel Rethinking Material Sustainability featuring Caleb Dyer Ph.D., Sharon Pérez Arevalo, Daniel Zahonero, Ashton Zeller, and Andrew Hudson Where is the win on a budget? Where are things headed? Experts on bio, recycled materials, traceability, mass balance, certifications, circularity, and more. We'll unpack this at the summit! Register now: https://lnkd.in/eua7HvHg

Did we dodge the recession we all anticipated? Matt Priest shared some great insights on this. Despite low unemployment and strong job reports, we're seeing some signs that people are not spending as much as they used to. Here's what this means for retailers and how to navigate these uncertain waters: Recognize softening markets – Households with incomes under $100k are starting to pull back on spending. This doesn't mean a recession is coming, but it shows that people are being more conscious about spending. Leverage recession-proof industries – Footwear, for example, often remains strong even in economic downturns. They're not buying cars, but they're probably still buying shoes. Stay competitive on pricing – Be more promotional and adjust pricing strategies to attract budget-conscious consumers. Fast food chains like McDonald's and Starbucks have really leaned into value meals to help bring customers back. Adapt to consumer behavior – Engage with your customers where they are. Understand their needs and be flexible with your offerings. Even though we're seeing historically strong economic trends, the consumer's shift toward value is undeniable. Here's how you can stay ahead: Promotional strategies: Increase promotions to attract cost-sensitive shoppers. Engage your audience: Use targeted marketing to show consumers you're offering value. Competitive pricing: Reevaluate your pricing strategies regularly to stay competitive. The consumer landscape is changing, but with the right approach, you can thrive even in uncertain times. Link to full conversation in the comments. ____________________________ I'm on a mission to help e-commerce leaders sell more. Follow along as I share what I'm hearing from around our industry.

✨We’re still buzzing from the incredible August FFANY Cocktail Party last Tuesday! A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us for an evening of fantastic cocktails and meaningful connections with fellow footwear industry professionals. Your presence added to the magic of the night, and we’re excited for more opportunities to connect, learn, and grow together. Check out the full photo gallery here: https://lnkd.in/eS_zb--A

What an incredible evening at the FFANY Cocktail Party this past Tuesday! 🎉 From networking with industry leaders to celebrating the latest trends, the night was filled with energy, innovation, and connection. A big thank you to everyone who joined us and made this event truly special. Here's to the continued growth and success of our vibrant footwear community! #FFANY #FootwearIndustry