Jim Weinberg, the Chief Merchandising Office for DSW shared that sales for December 2021 were down by 20% but he believes that the future for the shoe industry appears brighter. "Historically, it's really how society emerges when horrible things happen — there's always a better outcome afterwards. Stay nimble and listen to what our customers are telling us. Biggest societal change is the way people work. Be just as efficient working from wherever you need to be. People are buying what they need. Seasonal cycles are stricter now — customers want to buy shoes that are in season! Customers want to look nice on the one day she’s going out — dinner 1x a week. How can we use customer data to predict what customers want for the future?"

.

As a shoe merchandising expert, Jim suggests that you have the most popular types of shoes displayed for the customer to see, as soon as they walk in. Shoppers want easy access, as they are spending less time in a shoe store than they did pre-Covid.

.

"How does the shoe industry come back? Methodology of engagement e.g. Zoom etc. is not going away any time soon. 


1) Consumers cannot suppose as well as they can choose — which shoes do they view as meaningful? Consumers can help retailers anticipate where they are going with their shoe choices, as in the end they are going to be the ones making their shoe purchase decisions. 

2) Apparel and Footwear will come back stronger — January results that there is a need and desire to meet the consumer’s desire. Never lose interest in online. Online is KEY, as in-store purchasing will be less.

3) Casualization is going strong — 2021 is going to look similar to 2020. Normalization is not predicted until December 2021."

.

Greg shared some astounding information, a third of Americans are not comfortable receiving the vaccine, and 61% of consumers will not purchase as much if there’s a National Lock-down. Even after the vaccine, some customers will feel more comfortable shopping for shoes online. Curbside pick-up will be stronger than ever!

.

Read his article Top Predictions For Retail 2021 in Forbes https://www.forbes.com/sites/gregpetro/2020/12/20/top-predictions-for-retail-2021/?sh=565cbb9a3dc6

Retailers need to be agile to deal with consumer-behavior. How should shoe boutiques respond? Shorten decisions cycles, don’t go back to the way it was if it works. Absorb as much information from your customers. 

Customer-engagement (customers are thirsting to engage with brands); Authenticity, customers want to help your brand & buy more! 

.

If you want to know more, read his blogs & news https://www.firstinsight.com/white-papers-posts

.

Anna Malkan (Stockholm) Volumental Chief Revenue Officer for new products e-commerce. Software — Technology to scan customer's feet to keep data online to facilitate future purchases. 

.

"Big shift in how retailers are using technology in-store but not online. Online has not been innovated, there's opportunity to change online shopping with a better customer experience. Shopping is more purposeful, in-store customer has a high-purchase intent as they’ve done their research beforehand. Opportunity to sell more units, when a customer is in the door! Customer expect to purchase shoes that fit — in-store can provide a better experience. How to customize customers experience on website? Introduce features that integrate with your website (narrow down products based on customer search & previous buying history)."

.

"The mindset of the consumer — The Presidential Inauguration was the first Fashion event live in almost a year! People are still buying what they like in anticipation. Comfy shoes for walking (in between breaks of working at home). "

.

Future FDRA events with a focus on footwear sourcing, intellectual property protection, retail & sustainability — https://fdra.org/events-and-training/.