Rick Peterson’s Post

During my many formative years in sports retailing (Olympus Sports) I had seen the value consumers placed around brands creating 'want' over need. This approach to branding ultimately led to sports brands like Nike and Reebok Europe (other brands as well) becoming not only huge global brands, but also for many consumers the 'must have' brand to wear. We also influenced many other UK retailers, the legacy of which we can still see in JD Sports Fashion and Frasers Group. Some years ago, and in partnership with a seasoned boot and shoe manufacturer (150 years old) I established (and sold) my own high end chain of footwear stores called 'Constables'. I won't bang on about what we did, or how we did it but I would like share with you one key innovation that might just be making a comeback within the world of retailing. In order to stand out I agreed with my manufacturing partner to provide a 'bespoke' footwear service. The advantage being that my partners just happened to carry a 'Royal Warrant' for supplying equestrian footwear to the Royal household, in addition to the production of boots and shoes for the military of nations around the world, so you would agree they had a great pedigree in quality. We set our stall out on the basis that anyone who came to my stores could select from a choice of 6 styles of shoe and have them custom fitted, all with their own personal 'last' - for those that don't operate in the industry a 'last' is something that is used to build a shoe allowing for different sizes of feet, including width. In essence we created the illusion of bespoke across a number of pre agreed styles and colours - however, we also went one step further and by training our store teams in the art of foot measurement we also offered (for an additional fee) the service of creating your own personal 'last' that could then be used to build out your own highly personalised footwear wardrobe. Do you think this level of product personalisation is still viable in the UK today or are we happy to continue to cede supply chain disruption and innovation to Shein, Temu, and others? #retail #sportsretail #innovation #footwear

When Ryan Goldston and I started APL 14 years ago in our dorm room, we were singularly focused on creating a specific product: the first shoe that would instantly make you jump higher. We did that, and our inaugural APL Concept 1 went on to be the first shoe ever banned by the National Basketball Association (NBA) for performance enhancement reasons (that day was one of the best days of our lives), but our true goal was to create and build a category that didn’t exist; luxury performance. Building something that doesn’t exist is difficult for an incredible amount of reasons, but one of the hardest parts is when you are speaking about something so passionately and others simply can’t relate or understand. We believed with performance as the foundation that we could create shoes that allowed you to change your clothes throughout the day and keep your footwear the same. At all levels, especially luxury, there was no brand that was catering to this; in steps Tom Ott (former GMM of Saks Fifth Avenue) and he saw the vision right away, took a chance on APL and fast forward 9 years and now we’re the world leaders in luxury performance. This article in Bloomberg News is a full circle moment because it talks about how people are wearing athletic shoes for all aspects of their life, including to the office and the inspiration for and feature of the article is APL. Enjoy the piece and remember, just because someone else can’t see, doesn’t mean it isn’t real 🏆 https://lnkd.in/gsFQ4-89 #entrepreneur #design #shoes #team #bloomberg #retail #fashion #tech

Generational change happens- sometimes slowly and sometimes quickly - to industries that seem stable and boring. Shoes For Crews helped build a category (shoes for work) that for financial reasons may not be able to continue to serve profitably. Footwear for work is a big (not huge) market and connects to all kinds of other B2C and B2B spaces. The market SFC developed is still there. Can they restructure to protect and grow it or is it up for grabs from inside or outside the work footwear space? Will it be a shoe brand that profits or a distribution juggernaut that uses SFC market knowledge and brand to pressure other brands? Would love to hear the Warson Brands perspective, Brent Jennings ! https://lnkd.in/dHrzCTCr

How did New Balance manage to sell $6.5 Billion Dollars worth of their dark shoes? 👇 🥾Step into the success story of New Balance, a brand that has carved out a niche in the highly competitive athletic footwear market by emphasizing performance and comfort over flashy marketing. Originally appealing primarily to runners for their high-quality craftsmanship, New Balance shoes have transcended the tracks to become a staple in everyday fashion and streetwear. This shift is a testament to their unwavering commitment to quality, with shoes that often feature more understated designs but promise superior durability and support. Whether it’s for a marathon or a walk in the park, New Balance ensures every step is taken with confidence. The brand’s ascent is also marked by its dedication to principled manufacturing practices. Proudly producing a significant portion of their products in the US and UK, New Balance sets itself apart in an era dominated by outsourced labor. This commitment not only guarantees high standards of production but also resonates with consumers who value ethical manufacturing. The iconic “N” logo is not just a symbol of style but also of a heritage that champions an ethical approach to the global shoe industry, appealing to a broad audience that values both form and principled function. #Acutagramming

Exciting News Alert! Designer Brands Inc., a globally recognized powerhouse in the realm of footwear and accessories, is gearing up for a remarkable launch—the FIRST JEM. 🚀 This debut shoe not only marks the beginning of an exciting journey for the JEMS by PENSOLE brand but also signifies a significant milestone as it will be the very first product to roll off the production line of one of America's pioneering Black-owned footwear factories. The unveiling of the FIRST JEM is not just about fashion; it's a powerful symbol of progress, diversity, and entrepreneurship. 🌟 In an industry where innovation and inclusivity matter, this announcement sends a clear message that talent knows no boundaries. By launching this groundbreaking footwear line, Designer Brands Inc. showcases their commitment to fostering creativity and opening doors for aspiring designers from all backgrounds. 🌆 The collaboration between Designer Brands Inc. and the Black-owned footwear factory is a testament to the potential of businesses to drive positive change. 💼 It exemplifies the belief that supporting and empowering minority-owned enterprises is not just a choice but a necessity for creating a more equitable and thriving society. By choosing to manufacture the FIRST JEM at this factory, Designer Brands Inc. is setting a precedent for the industry to follow. 🤝 The FIRST JEM promises to be more than just a shoe; it's a symbol of innovation, diversity, and forward-thinking. 👟 It represents the fusion of artistry and craftsmanship, resulting in a product that embodies style, quality, and purpose. This launch has the potential to inspire a new generation of designers and entrepreneurs to pursue their dreams relentlessly. 💪 In a world where fashion is not just about what you wear but what you stand for, the FIRST JEM by Designer Brands Inc. holds immense promise. 🌍 It's a step towards a more inclusive and creative industry, where boundaries are pushed, and voices from all walks of life are celebrated. So, stay tuned for the FIRST JEM, a shoe that's set to make waves, inspire change, and lead the way in the world of fashion. ✨ #FashionForward #FootwearTrends #StepUpYourStyle #FashionEvolution #InnovationInDesign #FashionRevolution #DesignerBrands #JEMSbyPENSOLE #FootwearFashion #BlackOwnedBusiness #FashionForward #MilestoneMoment #InclusivityMatters #CreativeExpression #FashionInnovation #BreakingBarriers #DreamBig #FutureofFashion #EmpowerMinorities #BusinessGrowth #EqualityForAll #IndustryLeadership #TogetherWeRise #BusinessImpact #FashionInspiration #QualityCraftsmanship #NextGenDesigners #DreamChasers #FashionGoals #StepIntoTheFuture

A major step and commitment to our future. An ECCO with all ECCO values and a transformed modern concept.

The Boston Celtics play the Denver Nuggets tomorrow in a battle of East against West. Even from the view on your couch, you’ll likely spot those distinct foam pods on the sides of Jayson Tatum’s second signature shoe with Jordan Brand, the Tatum 2. The shoe’s design is rooted in a philosophy that powers Jordan Brand’s approach to performance footwear: get at the motion and emotion behind Tatum’s game, and distill those qualities through every facet of the shoe. For Kelsey “Shme” Amy, Expert Color Designer of Performance Footwear at Jordan Brand, color is her tool to tell Jayson’s story. She started working alongside the All-Star forward in 2019 with the Air Jordan XXXIV. Since then, they’ve worked on six different models together, brainstormed more than 100 colorways, and most important, have forged one solid relationship. It’s not uncommon for Amy to get a text from Jayson, day or night, about a wild new colorway idea. What does she think? Can the team make it happen? For Amy, professional trust from athletes like Jayson might be the single most important factor of her job — and one that she loves. “Our whole team has established a relationship with Jayson where he lets us take a lot of big, bold swings in his shoe design,” says Kelsey. “Those big ideas come to life for me through color. Jayson has an open line of communication with us at any time, because we all want to make his ideas a reality. When you get an entire group who’s committed to growing that same level of trust with Jayson, you get a really special team, and a really special shoe.” Read more about the Tatum 2: https://lnkd.in/gJDQ85tz #JordanBrand #Jumpman #Tatum2

Footwear brand Skechers has collaborated with Spanish artist Ricardo Cavolo as the second edition of its Visual Artist Series. The collaboration unveiled a footwear capsule for women that features the illustrator’s flaming heart and eye imagery. Click on the link below to know more... Ricardo Cavolo I Rahul Vira I Skechers South Asia Pvt. Ltd. #SKechers #footwear #artist #artistseries #RicardoCavolo #illustrator #footwearbrand #athleisure #collaboration #retailnews #retailtrends #retailsector #retailindustry #retailing #retailresults #retailupdates #businessnews #retailgrowth #retailindia #retailsectornews #retailreports #retailtechcase #retailtrends #retailbusiness #ir #IndiaRetailing

Why did a major footwear distributor purchase a niche shoe brand for a whopping $1.4 million? It’s one of our industries biggest success stories in recent years…you’re going to love it 👇 Back in 2012, Jim Van Dyne of Reebok fame teamed up with the CEO of Deckers, Angel Martinez. He had a pretty crazy idea: take a chance on a shoe brand designed for a very niche subsection of the shoe market. Who was the niche audience? Ultramarathon runners who needed an extra thick sole for running down steep hills. The shoe was gaining a cult following after a Colorado runner bought over 700 pairs. There was no doubt about it: Hoka’s comfy fit and colorfully ‘ugly’ style was the new must-have item. Think crocs, but with a passion for fitness. 👟 These trendy shoes were graduating from ultramarathon staples to street wear fashion movements. The pandemic also played a major part in people demanding extra comfort in their lives. In 2022, the brand proceeded to smash $1 billion in revenue. Talk about a return on investment! HOKA now makes up 30% of the company’s traded revenue. This is the kind of story that puts a pep in your step (preferably with a thick shoe sole). If you’ve got similar dreams of growing your brand, we’ll help you do it: https://www.wayflyer.com