Tech Crunch. Breaking the Diversity Barrier

Transcription

1 FO OT W E A R N E WS.C O M / JA N UA RY 14, FO OT W E A R N E WS OUTDOOR ISSUE Breaking the Diversity Barrier How the outdoor industry is making strides to be more inclusive on the inside and outside Tech Crunch Outdoor brands are geeking out on the latest footwear gadgets P assi on at e an d per son able. Savvy an d si n c er e. Blak e N or d st r om, who d i ed t hi s m on t h, led t he storied department st or e t hr ou gh r em ar k able r et ai l c han ge. A s par t of a for m i d able t r i o of br ot her s st eer i n g t he fam i ly d yn ast y, N or d st r om left an i n d eli ble m ar k vi a hi s c om m i t m en t t o c u st om er s an d c om pan y. BLAKE NORDSTROM

2 BLAKE NORDSTROM WE WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER THE BRILLIANCE, PASSION AND KINDNESS BLAKE GAVE TO THE WORLD. OUR THOUGHTS ARE WITH THE NORDSTROM FAMILY AND TEAM.

3 14 JANUARY 2019 CONTENTS 48 TECH TO TREK Technology is at the forefront of fall 19 outdoor shoes. (L-R): Saucony Switchback ISO men s trail runner and Chaco women s lifestyle look ON THE COVER Illustration by HELLOVON STUDIO PHOTO: LUCAS ZAREBINSKI INSIDER 9 The Steep Climb How outdoor firms are addressing their diversity shortcomings. 14 Swearing In How Swear London is winning the customization game. 16 FN Spy Styling secrets from The Bachelor set, plus Bobbi Brown ditches heels for What s Trending Big openings and closings for JCPenney, Manolo Blahnik and Birkenstock. 20 Show Planner All the details to know for the first half of FN Insights Why the insole market is on the upswing. NORDSTROM TRIBUTE 31 In Memoriam The industry pays its respects to Blake Nordstrom and his lasting legacy. THE LIST 55 Shoe of the Week Cougar turns back the clock with a 80s-inspired women s style. 56 Making Tracks How Bearpaw is treading new ground with a luxe label and a retail play. 58 Burning Question What can small outdoor brands learn from the athletic market? 59 First Look Western Chief gears up for the outdoors with the ch20 brand. 60 Art Effects Meet celebrities go-to Western bootmaker. 60 Five Questions Why Vivobarefoot sees opportunity with algae. 62 A Tall Order It s high times for Western boots this fall with knee heights. 64 Tech Check Cool new innovations in smart shoes, straight from CES. FN PICK 66 Lady Like Ms. Gaga steals the National Board of Review Gala spotlight in Gianvito Rossi pumps. 3

4 Michael Atmore Editorial Director EDITORIAL Neil Weilheimer Managing Editor Katie Abel Executive Editor Jennie Bell Features Editor Eugenia Richman Digital Director Shannon Adducci Fashion Editor Barbara Schneider-Levy Senior Editor, Men s & Comfort Jessica Fitzgerald Art Director Sheena Butler-Young Senior Business Editor Charlie Carballo Senior Digital Editor Peter Verry Senior Editor, Athletic & Outdoor Stephanie Hirschmiller European Editor Phong Nguyen Designer Lief Nielsen Copy Editor Heidi Pashman Social Media Editor Nikara Johns Women s Editor Nia Groce Fashion Assistant Samantha McDonald Digital News Editor Sam Peters E-commerce Editor Erin E. Clack Contributing Editor, Children s CORRESPONDENTS Samantha Conti, Natalie Theodosi London Joelle Diderich Paris Luisa Zargani Milan PHOTOGRAPHY/VIDEO Ash Barhamand Visual Media Director Amanda Jones PMC Studio Manager George Chinsee Photographer STRATEGIC CONTENT DEVELOPMENT Madeleine Streets Business Reporter, Strategic Content ADVERTISING Sandi Mines Vice President & Publisher Deborah Baron Account Director Michelle Raskin West Coast Director Samantha Rumsky Digital Account Manager Giulia Squeri European Account Director Gabriella Zurrow Account Manager Gomatie Sanichar Office Manager Emanuela Altimani Senior Sales Coordinator DIGITAL/MARKETING/CREATIVE SERVICES Cass Spencer Creative Director, Marketing Suzette Minetti Senior Brand Manager Lauren-Ashley Spencer Integrated Marketing Manager Laney Kay Digital Strategist Alice Kim Junior Designer AUDIENCE MARKETING Ellen Dealy Vice President Randi Segal Senior Director, Institutional Sales John Cross Director PRODUCTION/DISTRIBUTION Kevin Hurley Production Director Anne Leonard Production Manager Michael Petre Director of Distribution PREPRESS PRODUCTION Alex Sharfman Digital Imaging SUMMITS & EVENTS Alexis Coyle VP & GM, Fairchild Live & WWD Mary Ann Bacher Executive Editorial Director FAIRCHILD PUBLISHING LLC Michael Atmore Editorial Director of FN & Director of Brand Development Ron Wilson Director, European Operations FAIRCHILD MEDIA AND FN ARE OWNED AND PUBLISHED BY PENSKE MEDIA CORPORATION Jay Penske Chairman & CEO George Grobar Chief Operating Officer Gerry Byrne Vice Chairman Craig Perreault EVP, Business Development Todd Greene EVP, Business Affairs & General Counsel Debashish Ghosh Managing Director Jenny Connelly SVP, Product Ken DelAlcazar SVP, Finance Tom Finn SVP, Operations Nelson Anderson VP, Creative Young Ko VP, Finance Gabriel Koen VP, Technology Kevin LaBonge VP, Global Partnerships & Licensing Brian Levine VP, Revenue Operations Judith R. Margolin VP, Deputy General Counsel Julie Trinh VP, Global Tax Lauren Utecht VP, Human Resources & Corporate Communications Tarik West VP, Human Resources Christina Yeoh VP, Technical Operations Julie Zhu VP, Audience Marketing & Subscriptions Joni Antonacci Senior Director, Production Operations Nici Catton Senior Director, Projects Gurjeet Chima Senior Director, International Markets Eddie Ko Senior Director, Advertising Operations Andy Limpus Senior Director, Talent Acquisition Amit Sannad Senior Director, Development Karl Walter Senior Director, PMC Content Mike Ye Senior Director, Strategic Planning & Acquisition Constance Ejuma Director, SEO Laura Ongaro Editorial & Brand Director, International Katie Passantino Director, Business Development Derek Ramsay Senior Product Manager CONNECT WITH US FAIRCHILD OFFICES Editorial Display advertising Production Individual subscriptions & single copy sales Editorial reprints Wright s Media New York Fifth Ave., 16th Floor Los Angeles Santa Monica Blvd. London W1B 5AW 48 Warwick St., Suite 202 Milan Via Albricci No. 7 Paris Rue Royale,

5 IN HONOR OF BLAKE NORDSTROM WHOSE PASSION FOR THE INDUSTRY INSPIRED SO MANY. A TRUE LEADER, HE WILL FOREVER BE MISSED. GLOBAL BRANDS GROUP OFFERS ITS DEEPEST CONDOLENCES TO HIS FAMILY AND THE EXTENDED NORDSTROM FAMILY.

6 footwearnews.com A sneak peek at some of our best upcoming content. STORIES Rachel Brosnahan wearing a Time s Up x2 ribbon at the 2019 Golden Globe Awards How Red Carpet Political Statements Will Evolve in 2019 Week of Jan. 14 Awards season in 2018 was inextricably linked to politics as celebrities in Hollywood banded together to form Time s Up, a movement against sexual harassment. FN women s editor Nikara Johns looks into how it s changed a year later. Vetements x Reebok Instapump Fury at Milan Fashion Week Men s in 2018 The Best Street Style From Milan Fashion Week Men s Week of Jan. 14 It s not Fashion Week without a spectacular display of showgoers most stylish looks. On the streetstyle scene, expect to find plenty of classic brogues, cowboy boots and every type of sneaker imaginable. What the SAGs Red Carpet Looked Like 10 Years Ago Week of Jan. 21 Ahead of the 2019 Screen Actors Guild Awards, FN looks at which celebrities hit the red carpet a decade ago. Angelina Jolie at the 2009 SAG Awards The Most Comfortable Boots to Wear, According to a Podiatrist Week of Jan. 21 When it comes to comfort, not all boots are cut from the same cloth. FN turns to an expert to reveal which materials and silhouettes a consumer should keep in mind. Maison Margiela Couture heel from the fall 18 runway All the Over-the- Top Shoes From Paris Couture Fashion Week Week of Jan. 21 Couture Fashion Week never fails to bring out the most creative, most avantgarde creations on the runway paired with equally out-there footwear. The Top Trends in Outdoor Footwear to Know Week of Jan. 28 At Outdoor Retailer in Denver, FN senior athletic and outdoor editor Peter Verry learns about the biggest industry trends of A Vivo Bio style from Vivobarefoot Countdown to the End of the Trade War Ceasefire Week of Jan. 28 FN news editor Samantha McDonald tracks the status of the U.S.-China trade war and its impact on the industry before the 90-day deadline. U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in November 2017 PHOTOS: VIVOBAREFOOT: PETER VERRY; ALL OTHERS: SHUTTERSTOCK 6

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9 I N S I D E R THE STEEP CLIMB The outdoor industry has historically lacked racial diversity in its ranks and in its outreach. Here s how companies plan to reduce the divide. By Peter Verry ILLUSTRATION BY MAËLLE DOLIVEAUX 9

10 An image from REI s Forces of Nature campaign Racial diversity concerns aren t foreign to the footwear industry. Specifically, athletic heavyweights, including Nike, Under Armour and Adidas, have come under fire as of late for their lack of inclusion at the top levels of the companies. But the athletic industry isn t alone. Experts point to a long-standing racial divide in the outdoor industry, as well. You walk around ISPO, you walk around Outdoor Retailer, and it s not representative of everyone, said Keen s senior director of global marketing, Ashley Williams. It wouldn t even be representative of the U.S. Census. Traditionally, the image of the typical outdoor enthusiast has been white and male, but the numbers don t actually back that up. According to the Outdoor Industry Association s 2018 Outdoor Participation Report, 34 percent of African-Americans, 49 percent of Hispanics and 51 percent of Asians in the U.S. ages 6 and up participate in outdoor activities. And while the number of African-Americans over the past five years dipped 0.4 percent (the same as whites), Asian and Hispanic participation has risen 0.9 percent and 1 percent, respectively. The report also states that the number of times whites get outside annually (76) is trumped by both African-Americans (86) and Hispanics (87). Only Asians get outside less (74). But while people of color are active outdoor enthusiasts, they remain underrepresented within the ranks of outdoor brands and retailers, and have been noticeably absent from many marketing initiatives, creating a notion that enjoying Mother Nature is not for them. If you don t see yourself within magazines, marketing or in-store materials, then you don t think something is for you, explained Yanira Castro, communications director for the nationwide African-American advocacy nonprofit Outdoor Afro. People want to see themselves represented in the places they shop, the things they do, the places they visit. Wendy Yang, president of Hoka One One, Teva and Sanuk, agreed. Consumers want to emotionally connect with brands on a deeper level, and being able to see themselves represented in the brand helps to build that connection for the consumers, she said. Failing to demonstrate to large swaths of consumers that they can participate or that this activity, brand or equipment is meant for them too can inadvertently turn people away. Values Have Power For Nina Thiebert, a career with an outdoor company was never a consideration. A person of color, she has served as an Outdoor Afro community leader in Santa Cruz, Calif., since But she hadn t thought about pursuing a job in the industry until she saw a posting on social media. Some of Keen s leaders are part of the Outdoor Afro leadership Facebook page, and that was one of the first places the person in charge of hiring for that position posted the job [for a field service rep], said Thiebert, who previously worked in the restaurant business and for nonprofits. [The hiring exec] intentionally was trying to diversify the workforce, knows our leaders and what we represent, and thought it was the perfect place to post. Thiebert added that what encouraged her to take the chance on a new industry was knowing Keen s values aligned with hers. I ve never had this experience before, working at a place that reflects my values of equity, inclusion, being stewards of the land. It excites me, Thiebert said. Since I got there, I have felt supported. I knew they would support me because they have been trying to celebrate and inspire black leadership and connection to the outdoors. Andy Shearer, director of talent acquisition at Keen, said the company is working to enact internal career path plans and more inclusive policies, though it still has a long way to go. He noted that the company has a diverse workforce in its Portland, Ore., manufacturing facility and distribution center in Louisville, Ky.; ILLUSTRATION: MAËLLE DOLIVEAUX; PHOTO: COURTESY OF REI 10 INSIDER

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12 however, where a racial mix is lacking is in its Portland headquarters. We ve got a long-range strategy that has elements and mentions of diversity, Shearer said, and we re changing our brand platform our mission, vision and ambition statement to reflect diversity, as well. People Want to Be Seen A shot from Merrell s One Trail campaign In recent years, companies have been taking steps to create an image of inclusivity through marketing featuring a range of individuals. For instance, Merrell s One Trail campaign in November tasked photographers in each state with capturing images of people they encountered on the trails, showcasing the diversity of outdoor enthusiasts. Brand president Sue Rechner said the goal was to broaden the definition of what outdoor recreation looks like. I don t think we ve embraced the larger meaning of getting outdoors, she explained. It s not just the core enthusiasts at the top of the mountain, extreme activities. It s also a walk in the park, a short 2-mile hike, and I m not sure [the industry has] presented that properly as an opportunity as it relates to inclusion and diversity. We haven t embraced it. Experts also lauded The North Face s Move Mountains and Walls Are Meant for Climbing campaigns, which have been similarly inclusive of diverse persons, as have ads from REI and Patagonia. José González, founder of the grassroots community organization Latino Outdoors, recalled when he began to see the shift in marketing. About four years ago, one of our community leaders texted me a photo of an REI catalog, he said. She excitedly said, There s a brown girl like me on the cover I never thought I d see the day. Since then, González has personally participated in an REI campaign and witnessed the retailer incorporate Latinos on the covers of several other catalogs. However, the group s leader believes the industry needs to deepen its commitment to this cause to further distance itself from the burdensome white male on a mountain narrative. Marketing alone won t resolve the feeling of being an outsider. To make it authentic, hire Latinos in the production of content. Their experience will be an asset, González said. And you do not have to have niche marketing representation. It s not: We have to get a Latino for every shoot. That borders on stereotyping and misrepresenting. Change Starts From Within Indeed, to build a strong connection to all consumers, outdoor brands must take a good, hard look at their workforces and hiring practices. Recently, leaders have shown a growing commitment to addressing this longtime problem. In July, African American Nature & Parks Experience founder Teresa Baker unveiled the Outdoor Industry CEO Diversity Pledge, aiming at giving historically underrepresented groups a stronger voice and presence in the marketplace. A year earlier, The North Face s parent company, VF Corp., signed the CEO Action for Diversity and Inclusion pledge and set up two councils in its Inclusion & Diversity team to bolster its efforts in the workplace. Other industry heavyweights, including Keen, REI and Merrell, have partnered with outside activist organizations and internally boosted efforts to promote racial diversity in every aspect of their businesses. But creating policy is timeconsuming and intricate. Jaime Klein, founder and president of consulting firm Inspire Human Resources, said there are ways to expedite the process. Blind interviewing is No. 1. Set a goal of one or two diverse, qualified candidates for every job opening, Klein said. Two, perform training on unconscious bias to heighten your awareness that you might be searching for sameness. And three, look for people who are diverse in the company and see how their careers are going, invest in them, find them mentors and make sure you re looking for them to be potential successors to senior leaders. Another important step is to widen the geographic scope of candidate searches. Many outdoor companies are based in cities that have predominantly white populations, so leaders may need to examine how they advertise openings. Where are these jobs being promoted? How do people know about these jobs? This is no different than other fields. If you re only advertising in the same channels as before, it won t work to get more diverse candidates, said González. Brian Linton, founder and CEO of United by Blue, an ocean conservation-focused apparel brand, pointed out that racial diversity is not only the right thing to do, it is also a benefit to business. In Philadelphia, we re accessible to [racially] diverse talent, but we re also looking for people that bring a different perspective to the table, he said. We re not just hiring from within the outdoor industry, which is notoriously not diverse. We re looking for perspective that is different from who we compete with. There s big opportunity for new and fresh ideas that often don t come from within the outdoor industry. Experts agree another surefire way for brands to engage with racially varied groups is to partner with grassroots nonprofits dedicated to inclusion efforts. If brands believe the outdoors is for all, and they know they have a diversity problem, this is how you speak to more demographics of people, Castro said. González concurred. Everything a brand is looking to do and establish can only get better and easier by working with a community grassroots organization, he said. Mountaineer Jimmy Chin for The North Face s Walls Are Meant for Climbing platform PHOTOS: COURTESY OF COMPANIES 12 INSIDER

13 Blake Nordstrom In memory of the great Blake Nordstrom, whose passion and lifelong dedication to the Nordstrom company, its employees, vendors and customers will be missed. His legacy will live on and continue to inspire future generations. Our deepest condolences to the Nordstrom family, from all of us at the Pentland family.

14 Inside the Swear Nitro sneaker campaign How an Innovative British Company Is Winning Customization The sneaker manufacturer has dramatically evolved. By Stephanie Hirschmiller T wo decades ago, Swear London sneakers were sold to ravers. Now they re being bought by millennials and made to order online or via their mobile phones, said Ben Demiri, CEO of the label s umbrella company, Platform International. A lot has changed since Farfetch mastermind José Neves founded the brand 20 years ago. It relaunched in September 2017, collaborating with Vetements soon afterward. Today, Platform Nicholas Kirkwood s custom program uses Swear s technology International comprises three companies: Swear, digital arm PlatformE and licensing segment Six London. On the Swear website, customers can create their own shoe from 14 base models, choosing colors, textures and materials across lining, sole and uppers, with virtually endless permutations. The process takes two weeks, though this will soon be slashed to seven days. There are also predesigned models where shoppers can customize a panel, add initials and receive their shoes in 48 hours. The shoes are made in Portugal, and fits are very specific, according to Demiri. While the styles are unisex, they are made on both men s and women s lasts. We invested in every single-size Swear is a Dorateymur Swear is a partnerwith Dorateymur production partner mold from 35 to 41 women s and 39 to 46 men s in every style, he said. Given that it works on a made-to-order model, the goal is to become a zero-inventory brand by the end of Consumers don t want $38 million in product being burned like what Burberry did, Demiri said. (The brand took this route to discard unused clothing and beauty products in 2017.) So if we can bridge the demand, we think that s what you should do. In addition to its own e-tail portal, partners include Level Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, Barneys New York and Los Angeles online, Corso Como in Milan, Browns Fashion in London and Fashion Clinic in Lisbon, Portugal. Swear is at the forefront of the future of retail, said Browns menswear buyer Thom Scherdel. Fully customizable products have been on every brand s mind at some point, but the struggle has always been how to make it work commercially. To my It s exciting to be a model for the industry and evolve with what our consumer wants. Ben Demiri, Platform International knowledge, nobody is offering such an extensive service as Swear and turning it around in these time frames. It s got to start somewhere, so if this is the first step, imagine where we will be in a few years. Among other retailers who have endorsed Swear s strategy are Paris Le Bon Marché, which recently hosted an experiential space with the brand. Its compelling digital proposition and short turnaround times make Swear an extremely strong proposition, said the retailer s women s shoe buyer, Morgane Toullec. The digital customization process is realized through proprietary software created by PlatformE, a division created at the time of the relaunch. The technology was rolled out and made available to other labels as a plug-in. It became apparent that it shouldn t just be reserved for us, said founding partner Mario Muttenthaler. PlatformE clients include Farfetch and brands such as Nicholas Kirkwood, Paul Andrew, Fendi and Emilio Pucci. It s exciting to be a model for the industry and evolve with what our consumer wants, said Demiri. Platform International also continues to build its third arm, Six London, which works with emerging labels across production and distribution. The current stable includes Dorateymur, Rombaut, Toga Pulla and Edward Meadham s recently launched shoe line, Blue Roses. PlatformE also powers the customization aspect of many of these sites. We are creating an ecosystem for footwear, not just for megabrands but also niche and emerging labels, said Demiri. PHOTOS: COURTESY OF PLATFORM INTERNATIONAL 14 INSIDER

15 50 YEARS OF ROAMING An icon since its debut, the Blundstone Original 500 Series celebrates 50 years of going everywhere life takes you. Visit us at OR Booth #49156-UL

16 Behind the Rose Spy The stylist working on hit reality show The Bachelor reveals secrets from its 2019 season. By Nikara Johns A BC s The Bachelor is back and Colton Underwood is hoping to find love. But before his romantic journey begins, the former NFL player has to look the part. That s where Cary Fetman comes in. The longtime stylist has been working on the show for 17 years, so he has valuable insights about what works fashionwise. This time around, Fetman had his hands full with Underwood, whom he described as a shoe whore. Colton s sneaker and boot game is amongst the top. He doesn t care if you put him in the same shirt every day as long as he can change his sneakers. His shoes [filled] a suitcase. The girls were the only people I had this many shoes for. Underwood made sure to keep his footwear on point for the TV series from Air Jordan to Bruno Magli. Coming into this, I took a lot of pride in my own fashion. I m a firm believer in look good, play good, he told FN. I have more than 250 pairs of shoes. My favorite brand now is To Boot New York. They re comfortable and have my size. Size 14 doesn t come often in dress shoes. Indeed, the challenge with Underwood was finding clothes that fit, according to Fetman. The wardrobe guru said suits were not custom-made, but they may as well have been, as everything was altered and tailored Colton Underwood due to Underwood s large build. For the fittings, there are literally racks and racks and racks. It takes three days, said Fetman. The first day is just trying on everything, and we will try it on again before we alter. The next two days are spent standing in front of a mirror for eight, 12 and sometimes 14 hours. However, there was one fashion piece Fetman didn t have to worry about the shoeswithout-socks trend. I don t wear socks, and I don t wear underwear so I m all for it, Underwood said. The Bachelor airs on Monday nights on ABC. With contributions from Charlie Carballo MAKEUP MOVES When sneaker label Greats learned that Bobbi Brown is a big fan of its comfy kicks, the company threw out a surprising challenge to the beauty industry standout: ditch all of her pricey designer heels and wear only Greats sneakers in Brown accepted and has put her collection of luxury heels everything from Prada pumps to Alaïa booties up for sale on ThredUp as part of the e-tailer s Shop Her Closet series. All of the proceeds from the sale will benefit Girls Inc., a nonprofit organization that provides life-changing programs, education and Sunday Best It s game time for Saks Fifth Avenue. To celebrate the Super Bowl, taking place in Atlanta on Feb. 3, the retailer has teamed up with nearly 30 brands, such as Off-White, Versace and Valentino, to design an exclusive assortment of over 70 pieces featuring readyto-wear, sneakers and accessories. All will be available at select Saks stores and Saks.com. In addition, its Atlanta outpost will feature a window installation dedicated to the Super Bowl as well as in-store activations leading up to the big game, beginning Jan. 31. N.J. Bobbi Brown experiences for young girls around the world to support their well-being and positive development. Erin E. Clack BIG MAN ON CAMPUS Los Angeles-based multihyphenate Trevor Jackson doesn t trade comfort for cool; he makes room for both. The actor and dancer stars alongside Yara Shahidi in Freeform s Grownish, which returned for season 2 on Jan. 2. Jackson who plays the charismatic student Aaron Jackson in the comedy expressed how his personal footwear choices parallel those of his fictional character. One Californiabased brand in particular has been his leading look. In season 1, there were all Vans this pair of velvet and suede ones were fire, he said, also revealing that the label would be one his dream collaborations. Comfortability is first for me, and that s part of anything I do. In this day and age, a lot of people try hard to be accepted and wear certain brands to be cool. Whatever I m feeling that day is how I dress, he said. Nia Groce Trevor Jackson PHOTOS: JACKSON: SHUTTERSTOCK; COLTON UNDERWOOD PHOTOGRAPHED AT THE PMC STUDIO IN LOS ANGELES: DAN DOPERALSKI FOR VARIETY; OFF-WHITE: COURTESY OF SAKS; BROWN: COURTESY IMAGE 16 INSIDER

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18 WHAT S TRENDING INSTAGRAMS OF THE WEEK The 5 most-liked photos QUOTES OF THE WEEK Overheard in the industry last week and Bradley Cooper on the red carpet I already have one camp... and it s awesome. But guess who wouldn t have been invited to it? Me. JCPenney Trims Store Count Again sandals Steph Curry in a piece for The Player s Tribune in which he announced The Underrated Tour for overlooked high school basketball players. TOP STORY After ceasing operations at more than 140 locations during the past two years, J.C. Penney announced last week that it plans to shutter three additional stores over the next few months. In a press release, the department store chain revealed a decline in same-store sales for the holiday shopping season, dropping 3.5 percent on an adjusted basis for the nine-week period ending Jan. 5. The move comes shortly after Jill Soltau took the helm as CEO in October, succeeding Marvin Ellison, who departed for Lowe s in July. J.C. Penney operates approximately 850 stores around the country. at The wall will also be paid for indirectly by the great new trade deal we have made with Mexico. President Donald Trump in an Oval Office address regarding trade and the border wall. has made her mark in fashion Birkenstock Unveils Global Office Birkenstock has opened a new global office in Paris, situated in a 2,700-square foot building on Rue Saint-Honoré. It will serve as an incubator for its upcoming Birkenstock 1774 collection, which is due to launch in New York this March (the line will also be presented in the showroom of the Paris office). The brand s global headquarters is located in Neustadt, Germany, with offices in Cologne and Munich. Manolo Blahnik Opens Taipei Flagship Manolo Blahnik is kicking off 2019 with his first flagship boutique in Taipei, Taiwan. The roughly 700-square-foot shop, developed in partnership with Bluebell Taiwan Group, is set to open this month at the Nanshan Plaza shopping center. It will offer Blahnik s full range of seasonal creations. Kristina Blahnik, CEO of Manolo Blahnik International, recently told FN that openings will follow in Tokyo and Paris. at If we had known we would separate after 25 years, we would do it all again. Amazon founder Jeff Bezos announces he and his wife s divorce on Twitter. PHOTOS: SHUTTERSTOCK 18 INSIDER

19 Remembering Blake Nordstrom. We are deeply saddened by the passing of a true visionary, leader and philanthropist. You were such a great inspiration to all you touched. A truly genuine person. We will miss your loyalty and kindness that you showed in your everyday life to all your family, friends and peers. Our thoughts are with his family during this heartbreaking time.

20 TRADE SHOW PLANNER caption here PHOTO: COURTESY OF THE MICAM Trade Secrets 20 Organizers of the industry s leading footwear shows share how they re stepping up their events to meet the needs of a swiftly changing retail environment. By Nia Groce

21 THE WHO S WHO IN SHOES THE MOST COMPREHENSIVE COLLECTION OF FOOTWEAR BRANDS. 1. STATE / 63 / A.LIVE / A.S 98 / AADI / ABC KIDS / AD TEC / ADAM TUCKER / AEROSOFT / AEROTHOTIC / AETREX / AGAPE / AIR RIDER / ALA / ALBERT FELLINI / ALDO ROSSINI ALEGRIA BY PG LITE / ALL BLACK / ALLAN K / ALLENS / ALLROUNDER / ALMA EN PENA / AMIGA / ANAKI PARIS / ANDRE ASSOUS / ANDREA CONTI / ANGKAN / ANNA ANNE MICHELLE / ANTELOPE / ANUSCHKA / APRES BY LAMO / AQUADIVA WATERPROOF / AQUILA / ARA / ARAVON / ARCHE / ARCOPEDICO / ARGILA / ARIA & NICA / ARIDER ASH / ASHLEY BLUE / ASPORTUGUESAS / ATELIERS / ATTIBA / ATURA / AUSTON / AVARCAS USA / AVENGER WORK BOOTS / B.A.I.T FOOTWEAR / BUT ANOTHER INNOCENT TALE B.O.C / B-52 BY BULLBOXER / BABY MOCCS / BADGLEY MISCHKA / BAIA BAIA / BAMBOO / BEARPAW / BEAST FASHION / BEAUTIFEEL / BELLA LUNA / BELLA MARIE / BERNIE MEV BIBI LOU / BILL BLASS / BIRD OF FLIGHT / BIRKENSTOCK / BLACK SUEDE STUDIO / BLACKSTONE / BLOWFISH MALIBU / BLUE SUEDE / BOAONDA / BOATILUS / BODY GLOVE BOLARIO / BONNIBEL / BORN / BOS&CO / BOUTIQUE BY CORKYS / BRANTANO / BRENDA ZARO / BUENO / BUFFALO LONDON / BUFFALO / BULLBOXER / BULLE / BUSSOLA BUTTER / BZEES / CALOU STOCKHOLM / CAM COMMERCE SOLUTIONS / CAMPER / CANAL SAINT MARTIN / CAPE ROBIN / CARMELA / CARMEN SAIZ / CARRANO / CARTAGO CASE IH / CAT / CC CORSO COMO / CERRUTI 1881 / CHACO / CHAMPION KIDS / CHASE + CHLOE / CHELSEA CREW / CHELSEA CREW BLACK LABEL / CHIC BY LADY COUTURE / CHIE CHIE MIHARA / CHILDRENCHIC / CHINESE LAUNDRY / CHOCOLAT BLU / CHOO CHOO SHOES / CHOOKA / CIRCLE G / CLARK S SLIPPERS / CLOUD FOOTWEAR CLOUD NINE SHEEPSKIN / CLOUD90 / COBB HILL COLLECTION / COLE HAAN / COLOKO / COLUMBIA / COOLWAY / CORDANI / CORKYS FOOTWEAR / CORRAL BOOTS / COUGAR CPC ARDOR / CREATIVE RECREATION / CREVO / CUMMUS RETAIL / CYDWOQ / DA BELLA / DAN POST / DAN POST BOOT CO. / DANCE CLASS / DANNER / DANSKO DARN TOUGH VERMONT / DAVID TATE / DBDK / DE BLOSSOM / DE BLOSSOM BRIDAL / DE BLOSSOM COLLECTION / DE BLOSSOM GIRL / DELICIOUS / DIBA TRUE / DICKIES DINGO / DND FASHION / DOGO / DORKING / DR. FEET / DREAM SEEK / DREW SHOE CORP. / DUNHAM / EARTH / EARTH ORIGINS / EASTLAND / EASTLAND 1955 EDITION EASTLAND MADE IN MAINE / EASY B / ECCO / EILEEN FISHER / EL NATURALISTA / ELEGANCE / ELEGANT / ELEGANT COLLECTION / ELITE / ELITE BY CORKYS / EMERIL LAGASSE ENRICO COVERI / ERIC MICHAEL / ESSE / EUREKA / FABIO DE LUCA / FALCOTTO / FANTASY SANDALS / FEATHERLITES BY CORKYS / FEIYUE / FERRINI USA / FIDELIO FINN COMFORT / FITFLOP / FLOJOS / FLORSHEIM WORKS / FLUCHOS / FLY LONDON / FOREVER, DELICACY / FORTUNE DYNAMIC / FORVER LINK / FRANCO VANUCI / FREE PEOPLE FRENCH SOLE / FRYE / FRYE & CO / FRYE ACCESSORIES / FUNSTONZE / GABOR / GAMEDAY BOOTS / GANTER / GEERS / GENTLE SOULS BY KENNETH COLE / GIESSWEIN GIOSEPPO / GIZZE HANDMADE / GLAMOURSY HANDMADE SHOES / GLAZE / GLISTER / GOLO / GRABBERS / GRASSHOPPERS / GREEN COMFORT / GRENDENE KIDS GUY HARVEY / H2K / HAFLINGER / HARLEY-DAVIDSON / HEELYS / HISPANITAS / HOMERS / HOTSOLES LONDON / HOTTER / HUGGOES / HUNTER BOOT / HUSH PUPPIES HUSH PUPPIES KIDS / ILALINA / ILSE JACOBSEN HORNBAEK / IMAC / INTOUCH / IPANEMA / IRON AGE / IRREGULAR CHOICE / ISLAND SLIPPER / ITALIAN COLLCTION / ITASCA IVYLEE COPENHAGEN / J.P ORIGINAL / J.RENEE / JAFA / JAMBU / JAN N HANK / JBU / JELLY BEANS / JENNY / JESCO / JESSICA SIMPSON / JESSICA SIMPSON BABY JESSICA SIMPSON GIRL / JEWEL BADGLEY MISCHKA / JOHNSTON & MURPHY / JOMA SPORT / JOSEF SEIBEL / JOSMO / JOULES / JOY / JOY AND MARIO / JSLIDES / JSPORT KALSO EARTH / KAMIK / KANNA / KARYN S COLLECTION / KASKADA BOUTIQUE / KEDS / KEDS KIDS / KEEN / KELSI DAGGER BROOKLYN / KENDALL & KYLIE / KENNETH COLE KENSIE KIDS / KIDY / KIZIK HANDSFREE / KNAPP / KODIAK BOOTS / KORK-EASE / KORKS / KRISTEN CAVALLERI / KWAME BAAH / LA PINTA / LA PLUME / LACOSTE / LACROSSE LADY COUTURE / LAFORST / LAIDBACK LONDON / LAMO / L AMOUR DES PIEDS / L ARTISTE / LAURA ASHLEY / LAUREN LORRAINE / LEGEND / LENALUISA / LILIANA LINK, FABULOUS / LITTLE ANGEL / LIVESTUDIO / LIVIE & LUCA / LOINTS OF HOLLAND / LOLA CRUZ / LOLA SABBIA / LOUISE ET CIE / LOVE UNIVERSITY / LUCCHESE BOOTMAKER LUCITA / LUCKY BRAND / LUCKY TOP / LUGZ / LUXURY REBEL / MACARENA / MAGIA TEEN / MAGO / MAGUBA / MAISON SI / MAKER S / MARK NASON / MATA SHOES MAURO PISSANI / MAZZARRI / MCRAE / ME TOO SHOES / MEPHISTO / MERRELL / MERRELL KIDS / MI.IM / MILO / MINNETONKA / MIRACLE MILES / MISBEHAVE / MISS L / MIZ MOOZ MOBILS ERGONOMIC / MODZORI / MONAD BRAZIL / MUCK BOOT / MUK LUKS / MUNRO SHOES / MUSSE & CLOUD / N.Y.L.A / N.Y.L.A PREMIUM / NANETTE LEPORE KIDS NAOT FOOTWEAR / NAOT WINTER / NATURE BREEZE / NATURE IS FUTURE / NATURINO / NAUTILUS SAFETY / NEOSENS / NEXSTEP / NINE WEST KIDS / NINETY UNION NMD BRAZIL / NOTHINZ / O COMFORT / OGGI / OLD FRIEND / OLEM / ONEX / OOMPHIES / ORIGINAL SKATE / OSITOS / OUIGAL / OUTWOOD S / OUTWOODS / P448 PACIFIC MOUNTAIN / PADDERS / PAJAR / PAPILLON INTERNATIONAL / PAPUCEI / PARRAZO / PAS DE ROUGE / PATRICIA GREEN / PAZZLE / PELLE MODA / PENDLETON BOOT PENGUIN / PENSOLE / PETITE JOLIE / PHOTOBENCH SERIES / PHOTOCAPTURE 360 SERIES / PHOTOSIMILE SERIES / PIERRE DUMAS / PIERRE DUMAS / PIERRE DUMAS KIDS PIKOLINOS / PILZ / POLO RALPH LAUREN KIDS / PONS / POPOL VUH / POPPY / POWERSTEP / PRO KEDS / PROPET / PUMA SAFETY / QUPID / RACHEL SHOES RANCH ROAD BOOTS / RAS / RASOLLI / REACTION KENNETH COLE / REBELS / RED WING HERITAGE / REEBOK WORKS / REFRESH / REGARDE LE CIEL / REGINA ROMERO RE-MIX CLASSIC VINTAGE / RESTRICTED / REVERE / RIDE TECS / RIDER SANDALS / RIEKER / RJ S FUZZIES SHEEPSKIN / ROAN / ROBERT TALBOTT / ROC BOOTS AUSTRALIA ROC SOC / ROCKET DOG / ROCKPORT / ROCKPORT SLIPPERS / ROCKPORT WORKS / ROLLIE / ROMIKA / ROS HOMMERSON / ROVERS / ROYAL CANADIAN / RUBY SHOO / RYKA SACHA LONDON / SACRED HEART / SALAMANDER / SALPY / SAMUEL JOSEPH / SANDRO MOSCOLONI / SANITA / SANO / SANTANA CANADA / SAPENA SPAIN / SAS SHOES SAUCCNY KIDS / SAVA / SCHOOL ISSUE / SCHOOL RIDER / SCOTT DAVID / SEKADA / SEPOL / SHERIDAN MIA / SHOE MAGNATE / SHOE THE BEAR (COPENHAGEN) / SILVERDEW SIMPLY NATURAL ALPALA / SOCKWELL / SODA / SOFFT / SOFT STYLE / SOFTINO S / SOFTWALK / SOLE MIO / SOMERSBY / SOMETHING BLEU / SONALI / SOPHIE LAURENT / SOREL SOURCE BY NAOT / SPERRY / SPERRY KIDS / SPOILED ANGEL / SPRING STEP / SPRINGLAND / STAHEEKUM / STEGMANN CLOGS / STONEFLY / STORM BY COUGAR / SUMMER RIO SUP TRADING / SUPER ROMB / SUPERLAMB / SWEDISH HASBEENS / SWITFISH / TAKE A WALK / TAMARINDO / TAO PARIS / TAOS / TEAM / TECS / THE ART COMPANY / THE FLEXX THIERRY RABOTIN / THIERRY RABOTIN COUTURE / THINK! / TOMMY HILFIGER KIDS / TONI PONS / TOP GUY / TOP MODA / TOSCANA USA / TR1 / TRAIL RIVER / TRAQ BY ALEGRIA TRASK / TREE IMPORT EXPORT / TROENTORP CLOGS / TROTTERS / TSUKIHOSHI / TWIN TIGER / TWISTED X / U:US / U-DOT / UNILADY / UNITED NUDE / UNITY IN DIVERSITY UNLISTED KENNETH COLE / V ITALIA / VALDINI WATERPROOF / VALENTI FRANCO / VEGANBIO / VELLAPAIS / VERACRUZ / VERGINI / VIBRAM FUROSHIKI / VICENZA / VICTORIA VINCE CAMUTO / VIONIC / VITAL / VITAL ARCH / W6Y7 / WALK LONDON / WALKING CRADLES / WANDA PANDA / WARSON BRANDS / WEEBOO / WEESTEP / WERNER WESTERN CHIEF / WESTWOOD / WHITE LINE / WILD DIVA / WOLVERINE / WONDERS / WORISHOFER / WORK ZONE / X2B / XTI / XTRATUF / YELLOW BOX / YSY ENTER PRISE / ZATZ ZAXY / ZEROMOVE / ZIERA / ZULA + MANY MORE *BRAND LIST IS UPDATED DAILY. LIST PULLED AS OF 11/21/18 TO MEET OUR PRINTING DEADLINE AND MAY NOT REFLECT COMPLETE LIST OF BRANDS. NEW LOCATION NORTH HALL LAS VEGAS CONVENTION CENTER FEBRUARY 5-7, 2019 REGISTER TO ATTEND AT UBMFASHION.COM

22 TRADE SHOW PLANNER As the shoe industry adapts to the seismic changes at retail, trade show organizers are matching their stride. They are looking to deliver greater value to attendees and help brands as well as buyers connect and maximize their opportunities. Many events are ramping up their social media engagement, rolling out new digital tools, updating their look and even making location changes to improve convenience. Some are tapping into the growing trend at retail of creating experiential moments, using similar strategies to keep showgoers intrigued and coming back for more. Education also remains a focus as presentations aim to deliver valuable information and inspiration to help their guests take their businesses to the next level. Here, the leaders of five of the market s biggest domestic and international events reveal their bold plans for the season ahead. LESLIE GALLIN, PRESIDENT OF FOOTWEAR, INFORMA New this season: FN Platform will move to the North Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center. This move offers footwear a much closer adjacency to one of Magic s key apparel shows, WWDMagic. We re also planning to test out some new designs and décor elements. August will then see the rollout of a [completely updated look] for a futuristic show experience that incorporates all of the senses. Five new brands: P448, Anaki Paris, Aquila, Quoddy, DKNY Men s. Hottest categories: Booties, clogs and athleisure. Lifestyle how people live and work is dictating casual and comfort styling. Social media initiatives: We will roll out on the floor interactive social media opportunities. We feel this will bring more life, movement and real-time reality to the show. This is something no other show has done. Magic is also launching an enhanced app called Magic Online, which will enable us to be in real time with our event. Attracting new buyers: Our goals and communications are all about the value proposition product assortments, an open environment, networking, education and providing real takeaway values for all who attend. Attendance forecast: Our pre-show registration is tracking 20 percent ahead of last year. We believe this is due in part to independent retailers voicing where they enjoy shopping. Biggest challenges: Things are changing more rapidly than ever before. One of the challenges is for everyone to stay focused on the importance of having a place under one roof where the industry decision-makers can meet twice a year. It s one thing to be in the same city, but it is completely another to be in the same room for most of the day. I also think [it s a challenge] finding time to learn about new technologies and consumer direction. Outlook: There is opportunity now. Consumers still want and need to touch and feel and interact socially. Therefore, the moment is about the product: where to get it, how fast, and can I get a deal? The interesting thing is the in-store experience. People are social creatures, and they are inspired when they see other people responding to trends, styles, locations and tastes. It is about filling all senses today. Retailers are always cautiously optimistic. ANNARITA PILOTTI, PRESIDENT, ASSOCALZATURIFICI AND THE MICAM New this season: With the next edition of The Micam, we will finally reach paradise, the last stage in Italian footwear s allegorical journey through Dante s Divine Comedy. We will round off the exhibition that has entertained visitors and professionals by once again bringing back the Fashion Square, which showcases a selection of luxury brands. Five new brands: It is still too early to reveal. We will announce them at our press conference in February. Hottest category: Women s shoes, without a doubt, in all shapes and forms. Our industry has a long, perilous road ahead, but I am certain that the generational turnover is one of the ways forward. Annarita Pilotti Social media initiatives: Our February edition will definitely enjoy even more coverage on social media. In addition to being present on platforms such as Instagram and Facebook, we decided a few years ago to promote through Italian Shoes, an online magazine platform. Attracting new buyers: Our winning formula since Day One has been to focus on exhibiting high-quality and unique goods. Attendance forecast: All Micam events have experienced record attendance over the past few years. We closed September s edition with more than 45,000 visitors, recording a 70 percent increase in people attending from China and Hong Kong over our previous edition. This is an excellent sign. Biggest challenges: Boldly confronting change. Our industry has a long, perilous road ahead, but I am certain that the generational turnover is one of the ways forward. This does not mean forgetting the past or rejecting it, but changing the present so that we can rise to the challenges that the future holds. Outlook: We closed 2018 still only partially satisfied. Many situations on the international markets continue to burden our industry. Some markets are very open to our products, but in some cases, competition is fierce with companies that are able to offer competitively priced products to the detriment of the quality and safety of those products. We are confident that our products are of high quality, but we also know that this may not be enough. LAURA CONWELL O BRIEN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, THE ATLANTA SHOE MARKET New this season: Attendees will be seeing newly renovated and rede- 22

23 NW February 27 & 28 Portland, OR NE March 6 & 7 Wilmington, MA Connecting raw materials and components suppliers with Apparel, Footwear & Accessories manufacturers for over 25 years. americanevents.com

24 TRADE SHOW PLANNER signed booths with exciting and innovative features that enhance the overall look and feel of the show. There will be a great increase of technology being used throughout the show floor, ranging from informative live videos to athletic equipment allowing buyers to test their products on-site. Five new brands: Cappelletti, Brunate, Valdini, Robert Zur, Stivali. Hottest categories: The comfort and lifestyle categories continue to dominate the show floor. Social media initiatives: We are expanding on last year s theme of fusing rich videos with pictures that capture the true essence of our show. We then share these live interactions across all of our social media platforms with our broader digital audience. Attracting new buyers: We continue to publish advertisements in both print and digital formats, which has been one of our most successful ways to attract new buyers. We are once again partnering with the NSRA to deliver a Retail Training Workshop. Attendance forecast: We expect attendance to increase. We ve had a lot of interest from first-timers who have previously attended other industry shows and have now pre-registered for our February edition. Biggest challenges: The footwear industry, both retail and wholesale, is still in the rebuilding stage and trying to figure out what direction to move in for the future. Everyone is trying to keep up with e-commerce, m-commerce, social media and what that means to their business. Changes are happening so rapidly that it is hard to keep up. Outlook: Signs point to retailers being optimistic, especially those who are knowledgeable in e-commerce and m-commerce. Online channels are one of the significant factors that will impact the growth of the footwear market during the next few years. JOHN HERON, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, FFANY New this season: We will continue improving our venues, and in the near future, we will be announcing additional venues. We are also working to tailor our market weeks to [retailers ] hectic schedules by creating a more robust digital content offering. New brands: We are happy to welcome the South African Footwear & Leather Export Council to showcase 10 of its member brands. Also new: Buffalo London, Capelli Rossi and Seven Footwear. Hottest categories: There is a trend toward utilizing sustainable materials and components that is prevalent across multiple categories. Social media initiatives: We are moving toward an interactive digital show directory that will provide show scheduling tools as well as detailed information about our members and exhibitors in New York. Attracting new buyers: Our focus is on the quality of the experiences for all the buyers who come to New York. Our showroom and exhibiting members represent the pinnacle of wholesalers in the business, and our aim is to create the best marketplace possible for them to meet with the key retailers. Attendance forecast: We are optimistic. Even with the challenging 2019 calendar and the fluctuating landscape of our industry, we anticipate a strong and steady February market. Biggest challenges: The ever-evolving retail landscape continues to be the

25 biggest challenge that both retailers and wholesalers face. How, when and where consumers are buying footwear and interacting with retailers and brands is causing everyone to rethink virtually every aspect of the business. Outlook: Overall, I think retailers are feeling good, but it remains a challenging climate. MARISA NICHOLSON, VP AND GROUP SHOW DIRECTOR, OUTDOOR RETAILER Everyone is trying to keep up with e-commerce, m-commerce, social media and what that means to their business. New this season: For Snow Show, we are expanding [the fashion element] to include a trend presentation, and it will stage four times. The theme is Where Outdoor Meets Snow, highlighting the outdoor and snow-sports looks for the season. Each fashion show will be followed by trend presentations from different forecasting groups. Five new brands: Dahu, Topaz of Norway, Miz Mooz, Lucchese, Baffin. Hottest categories: Backcountry skiing and boarding continues to be a fast-growing segment. Brands are expanding lines, and more products associated with the all-mountain experience are being introduced everything from Laura Conwell O Brien dynamic new safety components on avalanche airbag packs to hybrid ski boots with walk mode. As sustainability remains a major influence throughout the industry, we re also seeing bamboo, cork, hemp and other organic and recycled fibers becoming more common in winter sports gear. Social media initiatives: We are beginning 2019 with a new yet familiar team on The Daily, our official show publication. We will also be delivering a new post-show digital edition. We re highlighting Snow Show with the hashtag #thewholemountain to celebrate the all-mountain lineup of snowsports and outdoor gear. Attracting new buyers: Our sales and retail relations teams are visiting stores and offices and attending regional shows to build relationships and share the benefits of coming to the national show. Additionally, we have a scholarship program to defray the costs associated with attending the show for specialty retailers in the U.S. and Canada. Attendance forecast: We had a successful first year in Denver in 2018, and we expect that momentum to continue. We have a strong list of brands exhibiting, and the list of retailers is growing. Outlook: Snow has been falling early this season in North America, which always leads to optimism during the winter sports sales period. Tariffs continue to be top of mind, yet with reports of record sales during Black Friday and Cyber Monday, many retailers and brands were able to close out the year on a high note. LAS VEGAS NEW LOCATION: The Pavilions at World Market Center Las Vegas

26 TRADE SHOW PLANNER SHOW BUSINESS A ROUNDUP OF TRADE SHOWS SLATED FOR THE FIRST HALF OF OR s January Snow Show will feature an extensive roster of trend presentations and educational seminars addressing such topics as the new tariffs, digital content strategy, sustainability and in-house product innovation. The opening-night Industry Party will take place on Jan. 30 at 8 p.m. India International Leather Fair Agenda Feb. 5-7 THE PAVILIONS AT WORLD MARKET CENTER, LAS VEGAS FFANY Feb. 5-7; June 4-6 WARWICK HOTEL & MEMBER SHOWROOMS, NEW YORK MOMAD Feb FERIA DE MADRID, MADRID March 1-3 (Shoes Room) Capsule/Cabana Feb PIER 94, NEW YORK Michigan Shoe Market Feb EMBASSY SUITES HOTEL, LIVONIA, MICH. Shoe Market of the Americas Feb ; June FORT LAUDERDALE CONVENTION CENTER, As the fall 19 market kicks off, FN presents its guide to the key shows, both domestic and international. Feb. 1-3 CHENNAI TRADE CENTRE, CHENNAI, INDIA Feb LA NAVE, MADRID Pure London Feb FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. Coterie/Sole Commerce Feb BISWA BANGLA CONVENTION OLYMPIA LONDON, LONDON JAVITS CENTER, NEW YORK CENTRE, NEW TOWN, KOLKATA, Exporivaschuh Jan ; June RIVA DEL GARDA EXHIBITION CENTER, RIVA DEL GARDA, ITALY Label Array/LA Kids Market Jan ; March 11-13; June CALIFORNIA MARKET CENTER, LOS ANGELES Couromoda Jan EXPO CENTER NORTE, SÃO Boston Shoe Travelers Association Jan ; March 3-5 DOUBLETREE BY HILTON HOTEL, MANCHESTER, N.H. Project Jan JAVITS CENTER, NEW YORK Feb. 5-7 MANDALAY BAY CONVENTION CENTER, LAS VEGAS March TOKYO INTERNATIONAL FORUM, TOKYO INDIA Footwear Sourcing at Magic Feb. 4-7 LAS VEGAS CONVENTION CENTER, LAS VEGAS The UBM Fashion-run show, offering merchandise direct from factories around the world, will open one day in advance of the other Magic marketplace events. Magic The Micam Feb FIERA MILANO, MILANO-RHO, ITALY The fair s upcoming 87th edition will mark the final stage in the show s Divine Comedy -inspired theme, with a focus on paradise. Fashion Square will return with a showcase of luxury shoe brands. Mipel Feb The Materials Show Feb OREGON CONVENTION CENTER, PORTLAND, ORE. March 6-7 ALEPPO SHRINERS AUDITORIUM, WILMINGTON, MASS. Première Classe March 1-4 JARDIN DES TUILERIES, PARIS Northwest Market Association PAULO Première Vision Jan PIER 94, NEW YORK Feb PARIS NORD VILLEPINTE, PARIS MosShoes Jan ; March 12-15; June Liberty Fairs Jan (men s) PIER 94, NEW YORK FEB. 5-7 (MEN S & WOMEN S) WORLD MARKET CENTER, LAS VEGAS Lineapelle Jan. 22 HAM YARD HOTEL, LONDON Feb. 5-7 LAS VEGAS & MANDALAY BAY CONVENTION CENTERS, LAS VEGAS UBM s Magic marketplace encompasses shows including FN Platform, Footwear Sourcing, Project, WWDMagic and Children s Club. FN Platform FIERA MILANO, MILANO-RHO, ITALY Children s Great Event Shoe Show Feb MARRIOTT-TEANECK GLENPOINTE, TEANECK, N.J. The Atlanta Shoe Market Feb March 2-5 EMBASSY SUITES PORTLAND WASHINGTON SQUARE, TIGARD, ORE. Gallery Shoes March AREAL BÖHLER, DÜSSELDORF, GERMANY Sapica CROCUS EXPO, MOSCOW Jan Feb. 5-7 COBB GALLERIA CENTRE, March METROPOLITAN PAVILION, LAS VEGAS CONVENTION CEN- ATLANTA POLIFORUM LEÓN CONVENTION Pitti Bimbo Jan ; June FORTEZZA DA BASSO, FLORENCE, ITALY Tranoï Jan ; March 1-4 PALAIS DE LA BOURSE, PARIS March SHANGHAI, LOCATION TBD Northwest Shoe Travelers NEW YORK Feb FIERA MILANO, MILANO-RHO, ITALY Shot Show Jan SANDS EXPO CENTER, LAS VEGAS Bluegrass Buyers Market Jan TER, NORTH HALL, LAS VEGAS FN Platfom is moving to a new location in the North Hall of the LVCC to be closer to the WWDMagic apparel event in an effort to make buyers on-floor experience more convenient and time-efficient. The footwear-focused show also will unveil a bold new look in February, with even bigger changes to come. The show will host its usual complimentary cocktail party for all attendees at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre on Feb. 16 from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. The National Shoe Retailers Association will present a training workshop on digital marketing on Feb. 17 at 7:30 a.m. The Chicago Shoe Market & EXHIBITION CENTER, LEÓN, MEXICO Fashion Access MARCH HONG KONG CONVENTION & EXHIBITION CENTRE, HONG KONG National Bridal Market Chicago March Jan SAINT PAUL RIVER CENTER, EMBASSY SUITES LEXINGTON, LEXINGTON, KY. Children s Club Feb EMBASSY SUITES, CHICAGO MERCHANDISE MART, CHICAGO ST. PAUL, MINN. Who s Next Outdoor Retailer Jan. 30-Feb. 1; June Feb. 5-7 MANDALAY BAY CONVENTION CENTER, LAS VEGAS Toronto Shoe Show Feb Pitti Uomo June Jan COLORADO CONVENTION March 3-5 TORONTO CONGRESS CENTRE, FORTEZZA DA BASSO, PORTE DE VERSAILLES, PARIS CENTER, DENVER JAVITS CENTER NEW YORK TORONTO FLORENCE, ITALY 26

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28 FN INSIGHTS: TECHNOLOGY BY MADELEINE STREETS 3-D scanning provides data for Superfeet s Me3D insole Getting Into the Comfort Zone These insole-makers say business is booming, thanks to favorable trends. As the number of people suffering from foot pain rises and the health and wellness market grows in popularity, footwear retailers are being urged to focus more on a shoe s hidden gem: the insole. Sandwiched between the midsole and upper, the insole is all about substance over style and as a result, it s often relegated to the back corners of footwear stores. But whether sold as an insert or as an integrated part of shoes, insoles are doing more work than we give them credit for. The insole is the first thing that touches someone s foot, yet the interior environment of the shoe is typically a hot, sweaty, smelly place. There wasn t a lot of focus on performance, said C.B. Tuite, chief sales officer at Ortholite. It s not just about stepping comfort; it s about long-term comfort and performance. While everyone has his or her own way of walking, many people have developed idiosyncrasies that place unnecessary strain on parts of the foot. For those whose walking movement is aligned in a healthy way, it is often the shoe that fails to provide appropriate support. Whether you re an athlete or commuter, child or retiree, good foot health can have a dramatic impact on quality of life. This knowledge has been slowly infiltrating the marketplace. The benefits of insoles have In the past, brands were talking about cost engineering with components. Now it s about value and performance engineering. C.B. Tuite, Ortholite long been known among pain-relief consumers and medical professionals, taking up space next to the medical-grade orthotics that have been helping the more seriously afflicted for years. But the growing understanding of the human body, combined with the meteoric rise of wellness and fitness culture, is bringing these attributes to the general consciousness. You re starting to see a lot of products that used to be considered pure recovery products things like foam rollers becoming mainstream now, and insoles are falling right along that same trend, said Eric Hayes, chief marketing officer at Superfeet. Consumers are understanding that they shouldn t wait around for an injury to occur to start treating themselves to these products. For a company like Superfeet, which produces its insoles directly for the consumer, this changing attitude opens up the potential customer base and allows for extended product lines that cater to every possible combination of foot and shoe style. Need a thin insole for pain relief but that is also designed for a running shoe? That s available, as is a ¾-length thick insole for a men s dress shoe. Such specificity can provide enhanced performance, which is increasingly important to all kinds of consumers, regardless of athletic ability. Over-the-counter insole brands have definitely stepped up their game, said Jacqueline Prevete, a podiatric surgery specialist in New York. This affects how I practice in that if someone is not covered for custom foot orthoses through their insurance carrier, I can direct them to a decent over-the-counter brand with particular modifications. It s not just the consumer who is growing wise to the potential impact of an insole. Ortholite, one of the largest insole suppliers in PHOTOS: COURTESY 28

29 the market, can be found in 500 million pairs of shoes annually and counts over 350 global partners, which continually push for greater innovations in insole technology. In 2018, the company introduced more technologies than in the past 10 years combined, bringing its selection up to about 400 offerings that address everything from high rebound performance to slow recovery foam. In the past, brands were talking about cost engineering with components, but now it s about value and performance engineering; it s about investment benefits, said Tuite. Brands understand that they ve got to give more value to the consumer today. This value is increasingly arriving in the form of sustainable products. At Ortholite, for instance, that s meant the release of several eco-friendly designs produced from recycled post-production foam. Engineered by its inhouse chemist, the foam is patent-pending but has already been adopted by multiple brands for products to launch in 2019 and Not only does this allow a brand to foster its commitment to sustainability, it permits Ortholite to address its own environmental impact. When you re producing over 500 million pairs of in- Pain Relief Despite not necessarily knowing the science behind the product, the pain relief consumer understands that insoles do help, and that s invaluable to them. Pain-relief consumers are frequently repeat ones once they find the right product. Through specific materials and construction techniques, an insole can help realign the foot and offload some of the pain. These are usually specialty products. Thirty-five percent Each Ortholite insole is unique to a particular brand s product soles a year, you have a lot of waste, said Tuite. At Superfeet, sustainability has been incorporated into its latest product offering: the Me3D series. After a year in pilot, Me3D will launch throughout the U.S. this year and offer fully customized insoles produced from a 3-D scan that is then 3-D-printed to exact measurement (minimizing waste) as part of a collaboration with HP Fitstation. Unlike previous incarnations of customized insoles, the Me3D product will not just address the shape of the customer s feet but also take into account his or her biometric data, providing the most appropriate support at all stages of movement. Me3D products are expected to be adopted by the consumer due to the level of personalization that previously cost hundreds of dollars and required several doctor s visits. Now customers can expect their custom insole within 72 hours of purchase. Even Superfeet acknowledged that the product is a steep upgrade to its previous offerings, due to the complete flexibility of the design. Anytime you re starting with a stock product, or blank, you re inherently limited by the blank itself; you can only adjust the blank from its starting point, and that starting point has degrees of variation that you can adjust, explained Hayes. When you re starting with nothing, we can print to whatever shape is appropriate to your foot. For both companies, the best insoles are those designed to work with a particular shoe, which is why Ortholite partners with brands at every stage of the production process and why Superfeet has launched its own footwear line. As customers get smarter about what they need from their shoes, it has never been more important to give attention to the humble insole and its vast range of potential attributes. WHICH CONSUMER ARE YOU TARGETING? of our consumer base that identifies as a pain relief consumer has come to us via some form of medical recommendation, whether it s their general practitioner, physical therapist or a podiatrist, said Eric Hayes, CMO at Superfeet. Comfort Representing the vast majority of consumers, comfort shoppers want their shoes to fit as well as possible without limiting performance. Although previously the least engaged group, there is an increasing awareness of the additional benefits that an insole can provide to those not experiencing pain, thus making this the demographic most likely to see growth. Comfort consumers are also still engaged in various activities, meaning that they might look for products that offer performance boosts as well as comfort. Performance Performance is a niche market but an easy customer to target, as they already are well-informed on the benefits of the product. Performance consumers have typically researched the subject thoroughly and are looking for whatever item might push them over the edge in their chosen activity. If you re a cyclist, you re looking to shave tens of ounces off whatever gear you re looking for. If you re a hockey player, you re looking for our products that offer a greatly substantiated claim of an 11 percent better acceleration off the line when you have it in your skate, said Hayes. Jacqueline Prevete An Insider s Guide to Orthotics JACQUELINE PREVETE knows a lot more about feet and foot health than the average person as both a podiatric surgery specialist and marathon runner. The doctor shares her insights on the most important things to know about insoles. 1. THE BENEFITS MAY BE MORE THAN YOU REALIZE The benefits are several, including providing support to the arch of the foot, preventing excessive motion that can put stress and strain on muscles and ligaments, and redistributing areas of extra pressure from one spot on the foot to another. 2. ATHLETES: DON T WAIT FOR PAIN For those prone to overuse injuries (i.e. runners, other high-impact athletes), they may benefit from orthoses even if they do not have pain on a more preventative basis, just given their level of activity. 3. IF EXPERIENCING DISCOMFORT, CHECK YOUR FOOT SIZE Take note on where the pain is. A lot of pain associated with shoe gear can be associated with buying the wrong size shoe (i.e. pain around the back of the heels, pain in the toes). Go to a local shoe store and ask them to measure you to ensure that you re buying appropriately sized shoes. Width is also an issue narrower shoes may cause pain around the toes and forefoot. 4. OVER-THE-COUNTER INSOLES SHOULDN T BE TOO SOFT Something that is well-padded could be beneficial, but you also want to look into something with a bit of rigidity. Something that bends in half too easily is unlikely to provide any additional support. 5. REMEMBER: AN INSOLE IS AN AID, NOT A TREATMENT A common misconception is that orthoses change your foot structure. Using an insole does not give you an arch if you do not have one; it provides support. A good analogy is eyeglasses they don t change your eyes; they help you to see. An insole doesn t change your foot structure; it helps the foot to function more optimally. 29

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31 Blake Nordstrom: PHOTO: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX A Legend Remembered He was a humble, thoughtful leader with an unforgettable smile. Footwear executives and trusted confidants reflect on how the industry powerhouse epitomized service, gratitude and family values with unrelenting conviction. BY SHEENA BUTLER-YOUNG

32 At an investor day in May 2017, Blake Nordstrom was speaking on behalf of his co-presidents and brothers, Erik and Peter, about the state of the family business. The executive, who died unexpectedly on Jan. 2 at 58 after a short battle with lymphoma, often took the lead during shareholder presentations. During his speech, he readily recounted the department store s recent financial milestones, its big plan to open Nordstrom s first Manhattan outpost and the new ways it would use technology to boost service and convenience for customers. From left: Blake, Peter and Erik Nordstrom Near the end of the presentation, an attendee asked Nordstrom who helmed the company as president for 15 years before splitting the leadership reins with his brothers in 2015 to explain why its unconventional three-president leadership model had excelled amid turbulent retail times. Well, we ve got some folks right here that started that model, Nordstrom responded, tossing the credit to other family members and business partners in attendance. The belief is that the strategy, the decisions [and] the outcomes are richer together than individually. It s like a marriage. It s hard to do. You ve got to believe deep in your bones that it s important you work together. Perhaps it s those very sentiments that will help carry the Nordstrom family forward as they navigate the difficult days and months ahead. One of the things that brings us some comfort is that Blake s values, character and passion can still be reflected in what this company does how we treat each other, our customers and our communities. Building on that is the best way we can think of to honor his legacy, Pete and Erik Nordstrom said in a note to employees. A FAMILY S BOND The company co-founded in 1901 by Nordstrom s great-grandfather, Swedish immigrant John Nordstrom, as shoe store Wallin & Nordstrom has long been synonymous with humility, service and unrelenting pursuit of customer satisfaction. And according to those who knew Blake Nordstrom, few embodied those values at the level From left: Erik, Peter and Blake with their father, Bruce, in 2008 PHOTOS: COURTESY OF NORDSTROM 32

33 OUR INDUSTRY HAS LOST ONE OF ITS TRUEST LEADERS, FINEST RETAILERS, PROGRESSIVE THINKERS, AND A GENTLEMAN. SOMEONE WHO WILL BE GREATLY MISSED BY EVERYONE WHO HAD THE PRIVILEGE TO KNOW HIM AND THE OPPORTUNITY TO WORK WITH HIM. OUR HEARTS AND CONDOLENCES GO OUT TO THE ENTIRE NORDSTROM FAMILY AND THE NORDSTROM ORGANIZATION. AND TO THE INSPIRING INDIVIDUAL I WAS PROUD TO CALL A FRIEND, REST IN PEACE BLAKE NORDSTROM KENNETH COLE

34 With his wife, Molly, at Nordstrom s men s store opening in New York last April and with the consistency that he did. The Nordstrom family is appropriately focused on being a team and not having the way the business is run and represented being about any one person. Blake exemplified that teamoriented approach, said Caleres chairman, president and CEO Diane Sullivan. He was wellliked, thoughtful, humble, professional there aren t enough adjectives to describe the wonderful person he was. Much like his father, beloved retail legend Bruce Nordstrom who cut his teeth sweeping the floors of the family s business at 9 years old Blake Nordstrom began his career working in the department store s stockroom in the 1970s. By 1975, he had moved his THERE AREN T ENOUGH ADJECTIVES TO DESCRIBE THE WONDERFUL PERSON HE WAS. DIANE SULLIVAN, CALERES INC. way up to selling in the downtown Seattle store. Nordstrom went on to hold a range of positions in buying and regional management before becoming company president in His ascension to the top post would come after the firm experienced several rocky years accented by soft performance and culminating with the departures of two top executives, neither of which held the Nordstrom name. At that time, the family moved in to regain control of the business and right the ship, with Blake Nordstrom taking the president slot and Bruce Nordstrom returning from retirement and assuming the chairman seat. In addition to helping stabilize sales, Blake Nordstrom steered both the expansion of the firm s brick-and-mortar footprint as well PHOTOS: COURTESY OF NORDSTROM 34

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36 its early moves to become a pioneer of the department store sector s digital evolution. In 2005, the company made what at the time was an unprecedented deal in the retail space, snapping up luxury Manhattan and Atlanta boutiques Jeffrey Inc. Also under Nordstrom s watch, the firm in 2011 procured online flash sale site HauteLook for $180 million, marking the first time that a traditional retailer acquired a company focused in online private sales. (Up until his passing, Nordstrom s role continued to encompass supporting the HauteLook business.) As other traditional retail players faltered, a series of digital savvy tactics, including THE GREATEST CHARACTERISTIC BLAKE SHOWED WAS A LEVEL OF HUMBLE- NESS NOT USUALLY DEMONSTRATED AT THE CEO LEVEL. DAVID KAHAN, BIRKENSTOCK Nordstrom s launch of buy online, pick up in store helped solidify the company as a yardstick for its peers amid the rapid rise of e-commerce pure plays and a wave of retail bankruptcies. In 2015, the three Nordstrom brothers became co-presidents, and despite frenetic change, both good and bad, Nordstrom s leadership style never wavered. The greatest characteristic Blake showed was a level of humbleness not usually demonstrated at the CEO level, said David Kahan, CEO of Birkenstock Americas. Anytime our paths crossed, I would be sure to thank him for his support of our business, and he would immediately At top: With Geevy Thomas, president of Nordstrom Rack at the NYC Rack store in 2010; Here: With Bruce and Erik Nordstrom and members of the NYC men s store team Blake Nordstrom s compassion and generosity was an ever-present force on his home turf in Seattle. As active civic leaders, Blake and his wife, Molly, were determined to help the city s homeless population and people in need. The couple headed the major gifts campaign of the United Way of King County for six years. Nordstrom played a significant role HIS WAY BLAKE NORDSTROM WAS FIERCELY PASSIONATE ABOUT HIS COMMUNITY AND ALMA MATER. in revitalizing the city s downtown, serving on the board of the Downtown Seattle Association. The executive was a University of Washington Rowing Steward. Like his father and grandfather before him, Blake rowed crew for the Huskies and endowed scholarships in their honor at the university. We will always be grateful for his generous support of our students, and as a dyed-in-the-wool Husky, he embodied the spirit of the Pacific Northwest in so many ways, said UW President Ana Mari Cauce. We are proud to count him, like so many members of his extraordinary family, among our alumni, and his impact will be felt here in classrooms, on the field and the water, and in the lives of our students forever. A community celebration in honor of Nordstrom was held Saturday at the Alaska Airlines Arena in Seattle. FN will donate a portion of the proceeds from this issue to University of Washington Rowing and the United Way of King County. The magazine also plans to make its own donation. PHOTOS: THOMAS AND NORDSTROM: FN ARCHIVES; NYC GROUP: COURTESY OF NORDSTROM 36

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38 With Rashida Jones, Mark Ruffalo and Bruce Nordstrom, at Nordstrom men s store VIP party in 2018 turn it around and thank me for all we were doing for Nordstrom. He was genuinely grateful for the partnership and didn t take it for granted in any way. I remember attending the opening event in Vancouver and congratulating him on the new store, and he immediately congratulated me on the success they were having with our brand. Sullivan recalled that her last encounter with Nordstrom, which occurred just ahead of retail s frenzied Thanksgiving rush, left a similar impression. It was a really busy time for him just before an earnings call and with what we now know was going on with his health but he took time to catch up both personally and professionally. That was Blake, she said. He always made time and genuinely cared. He could have said, Sorry, Diane. I m really busy. We ll catch up another time. But he didn t. He was an incredibly balanced human being. The company s brand partners were hugely HE MOTIVATED A ROOM AND TOUCHED US INDIVIDUALLY WITH A KIND NOTE OR A FEW SIMPLE WORDS... KRISTIN FROSSMO, NORDSTROM important to Nordstrom; he was equally passionate about each member of his team, a quality he demonstrated across ranks. It was his capacity to make connections across our company from the stockroom, to salespeople, store managers and buyers, customers, investors, partners and anyone he came into contact with, that made him extraordinary, said Kristin Frossmo, EVP and GMM for Nordstrom s shoe division. He motivated a room and touched us individually with a kind note or a few simple words of genuine gratitude. Perhaps it was Nordstrom who cast his approach best, speaking on his family s service motto to FN in We want all employees to feel as though it s their name on the door and that they are empowered to do whatever it takes to serve the customer on their terms, he said. Our open-door policy is connected to the idea that we all have a stake in this together. PHOTOS: COURTESY OF NORDSTROM 38

39 REMEMBERS BLAKE NORDSTROM WE THANK YOU FOR MANY YEARS OF PARTNERSHIP

40 WHAT WOULD BLAKE DO? When Sarah Jessica Parker and I first decided to go into business together and launch the SJP Collection, Blake was the first phone call we made, said George Malkemus, president of Manolo Blahnik USA. We were looking for insight and advice. With Blake, there was always this fresh outlook and enthusiasm. He gave a lot back and encouraged designers. For those who crossed his path, Nordstrom s legacy in retail extends far beyond his role in helping to build his family s company into a $15 billion business. He created a standard among his peers for how leadership can be both personal and effective. My career in the shoe industry began at Nordstrom in Bellevue, Wash., where I was a young rookie shoe salesperson working part time, said Fred Mossler, who went on to help build e-tail powerhouse Zappos before starting his own shoe brand, Ross & Snow, in Blake was always incredibly kind to me as a newbie and HE REMEMBERED WHERE I HAD BEEN AND THE SUCCESSES I HAD. WITHIN A COMPANY OF TENS OF THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE, THAT STUCK OUT TO ME. FRED MOSSLER, ROSS & SNOW always [took] the time to chat with me about the company. [Later] when I was working in Hawaii for Liberty House [where Nordstrom ran the shoe department], Blake would visit and always remembered not only my name but my history within the company. He remembered where I had been and successes I d had. Within a company of tens of thousands of people, that stuck out to me as something special. Debbie Ferrée, vice chairman and chief merchandising officer at DSW Inc., recalled that her first in-person encounter with Nordstrom at the opening of Nordstrom s Fashion Island store in Newport Beach, Calif., in 2010 was preceded by scores of stories from industry insiders who told her about his leadership acumen and unmatched poise. I was so nervous to meet him. I thought, He is such an important person in our industry, she said. I got up very early that day and made sure I was dressed appropriately and that my makeup was on right and my hair was right I wanted to [be prepared]. But immediately, he made me feel like I was part of the family. He had a smile that lit up the whole room. There s no way I couldn t walk away feeling like a million dollars. Nick Lucio, founder and CEO of Steven Madden Ltd.-owned brand Dolce Vita, said he s taken a few pages from Nordstrom s book when it comes to how he guides the women s shoe label. Blake knew that it was the people that made Nordstrom a special place to work and to shop, Lucio said. I have always been inspired by his leadership philosophy and tried to apply it to our own business by empowering our people and providing the best service. Geevy Thomas, president of Nordstrom Rack a division with which Nordstrom worked particularly closely said the leader s retail DNA will remain in the fabric and foundation of the company into the foreseeable future. He led by example and never asked anyone to do anything he wouldn t do himself. He was a shopkeeper, a merchant, a champion of the customer and our people, Thomas said. He was a man whose strength was rooted in kindness, untold acts of generosity, an indomitable competitive spirit, his love of family and of every part of our company. We are his legacy. As Ferrée put it: This is how Blake will leave this world: People will continue to [ask themselves], What would Blake do? What would he think? How would Blake treat [others]? Nordstrom is survived by his wife, Molly, and children Andy and Alex. With Erik and Peter Nordstrom PHOTOS: COURTESY OF NORDSTROM 40

41 In memory of our friend Blake Nordstrom. We send our deepest condolences to the Nordstrom family. Blake s passion, vision, and partnership will be remembered fondly.

42 Wise Words Colleagues and industry peers get personal about Blake Nordstrom s graciousness and contributions to the footwear community. BY BARBARA SCHNEIDER-LEVY When I was a young rookie working at the store in Bellevue, Wash., Blake was a regional manager for the Northwest. Since he lived nearby, he frequently popped in to see how things were going. I didn t fully grasp the significance of him as a person or his position within the company, but that naiveté would later turn into great respect and admiration. A few years later, I needed to transfer to Sacramento [Calif.] for personal reasons, and although there was not an open position in men s shoes, Blake made a call to help get me placed. He had faith in me and valued my hard work and dedication to the company. Blake was instrumental in making the move happen for me, for which I ll always be grateful. He was an incredible man and leader, a true legend within the industry. FRED MOSSLER Cofounder, Ross & Snow Blake was a true friend and partner to Camuto Group for many years. He was always very supportive of Vince Camuto and the company, and when we spent time together, he was thoughtful and kind. When we last had lunch, we talked about our families, the business and the industry overall. As always, he was generous with his time and insights. ALEX DEL CIELO, CEO, Camuto Group WHEN I FOUND OUT BLAKE HAD [BECOME ILL], I REACHED OUT TO HIM BY AND SAID, I OFFER YOU MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS, AND YOU HAVE A LOT OF [PEOPLE] ROOTING FOR YOU. JUST HAVE FAITH. HE RESPONDED IMMEDIATELY. THAT WAS BLAKE. ANYONE THAT REACHED OUT TO HIM, HE MADE FEEL LIKE THEY WERE THE MOST IMPORTANT THING ON HIS MIND AND THE MOST IMPORTANT PERSON IN THE ROOM. DEBBIE FERRÉE, vice chairwoman & chief merchandising officer, DSW Inc. What was exceptional about Blake s leadership was the consistency with which he applied the Nordstrom values to all customers, employees, vendors and the communities the company serves. In 2009, while serving as CEO of Jimmy Choo, I had the honor of speaking at the Nordstrom annual shareholders meeting and receiving the annual Partner in Excellence award. It was a true honor to speak alongside Blake, Pete and other Nordstrom executives. But the highlight was the night before, when Bruce Nordstrom hosted a family-style dinner and I watched Blake talk shop with his father and brothers. This could have been any family business in the country, but it was a juggernaut. They were talking about their customers and vendors as if it were still the corner store. JOSH SCHULMAN, CEO & brand president, Coach PHOTOS: MOSSLER; SHUTTERSTOCK; DEL CIELO: COURTESY 42

43 PUMA remembers BLAKE NORDSTROM and his immeasurable contributions to the world around him. He will forever be in our memories. Remembering Blake Nordstrom. We will miss him dearly.

44 Blake had a profound compassion, keen sense of people and an incredible business mind. After Vince Camuto passed, I met with Blake in Seattle. Before we even sat down, he assured me he was there for our family at Camuto Group. He wanted me to know he cared deeply about our team, and above all else, he wanted to offer his support as we coped with a huge loss. Blake s legacy lives on through all of those he touched and inspired. ED FERRELL, president & chief merchandising officer, Camuto Group It is a tragedy. I am devastated. I ve known Blake since he was a buyer at Nordstrom in Northern California. When we were young men, we took his boat out on the Puget Sound. I remember his smile and the joy on his face as the captain. I want to live with that smile. SAM EDELMAN, co-founder & president, Sam Edelman BLAKE WAS TRULY AN ICONIC LEADER IN THE RETAIL AND FOOTWEAR INDUSTRY WHO FOREVER WILL BE REMEMBERED FOR HIS PASSION FOR SERVICE, SUPPORTING BRANDS AND HIS LASER FOCUS ON CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE. HE HELPED SET THE BAR IN THE INDUSTRY, AND I ADMIRE HIS LEADERSHIP IN THAT AREA. FEW INDUSTRIES HAVE LEADERS LIKE BLAKE, AND WE ARE ALL BETTER FOR HAVING WORKED WITH HIM. DAVE POWERS, president & CEO, Deckers Brands The Nordstroms, and Blake in particular, have always struck me as salt of the earth kind of people. Blake gave a lot back and encouraged designers. He was a real gentleman. He was tall, with a great smile, and adored his wife, Molly. Some years ago, I had them at my farm in Connecticut. I will remember him gathering eggs and us all laughing as hens squawked and pecked until he had a dozen. We made Molly promise to make him an omelet back in Seattle. GEORGE MALKEMUS, CEO, Manolo Blahnik USA He will certainly be missed by the many industries, communities and organizations he impacted. Blake was especially passionate about the shoe business and was always a wonderful advocate for Two Ten. He was a truly great, one-of-a-kind person and spirit. NEAL NEWMAN, president, Two Ten Footwear Foundation PHOTOS: FERRELL: COURTESY; EDELMAN: FN ARCHIVES 44

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46 Blake, in the way he lived, represented the heart and soul of Nordstrom and he personified our values. It s been incredible and heartwarming to see the outpouring of stories and remembrances from employees, customers, brands and even retail peers. It brings to life the impact Blake had on so many and into focus what makes our Nordstrom culture special. Blake had a willingness to take time with people knowing their name, remembering a birthday or sending a note following up on a conversation. He also always had a special place in his heart for both our shoe division and the shoe industry. SCOTT MEDEN, chief marketing officer, Nordstrom His passion for the consumer experience and his team can be seen through every vein of the Nordstrom brand. BOB PHILION, president, Puma North America I ll always remember when something would happen, there would be a surprise of a beautifully written letter from Blake. He took such great care not to let things pass without noting them. I remember my father, Morris Kalinsky, received a handwritten letter around [an] accomplishment of mine. Blake didn t know my father very well, but he took the time to write a letter. He went the extra mile to let people know he cared. JEFFREY KALINSKY, founder & president, Jeffrey New York; VP of designer fashion direction, Nordstrom BLAKE WAS AN INSPIRING FIGURE WHO BROUGHT HIS REMARKABLE PAS- SION AND EXPERIENCE TO THE FASHION RETAIL INDUSTRY. HE EMBODIED A PEOPLE-FIRST BUSINESS PHILOSOPHY THAT CON- TINUES TO TRANSCEND AND CASCADE THROUGH- OUT THE ORGANIZA- TION IN A MEANINGFUL WAY. THIS IS NO BETTER DEMONSTRATED THAN THROUGH HIS UNWAVER- ING COMMITMENT TO EMPOWERING EMPLOYEES AND ADVOCATING FOR A POSITIVE AND SEAMLESS EXPERIENCE FOR CLIENTS AND PARTNERS. HE WAS A TRUE VISIONARY WHOSE LEADERSHIP AND ENERGY WILL BE SORELY MISSED. JONATHAN FRANKEL, SVP, Aldo product services and Call It Spring He was always so supportive and grateful for our [Ugg] partnership. Every January, I would receive a personal from him thanking me for our business. He had amazing attention to detail and dedication to our customers. He was so full of life. CONNIE RISHWAIN, president, Vionic (and former president, Ugg) PHOTOS: KALINSKY: SHUTTERSTOCK; RISHWAIN: COURTESY 46

47 IN CELEBRATION OF BLAKE NORDSTROM A gracious leader, philanthropist, friend and industry icon who is already missed. Our deepest sympathies to our friends at Nordstrom.

48 TECH TO 48 Photographed by LUCAS ZAREBINSKI // Prop Stylist LINDA KEIL

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54 A REMARKABLE PERSON A POWERFUL CAREER A LIFETIME OF RELATIONSHIPS FOOTWEAR NEWS HONORS THE LEGENDARY BLAKE NORDSTROM

55 PHOTO: LUCA ZAREBINSKI GOLDEN OLDIE 01/ Retro style isn t Shoe just for streetwear. of the Cougar expanded its Week Heritage Collection for fall 19 with the shearling-lined Dylan boot, inspired by a vintage 1980s European-style hiker. But while it pays homage to the classics, Cougar embraced the modern era with the latest waterproofing and temperature-rating technologies, as well as premium materials. FOOTWEARNEWS.COM 55

56 Luxe De León s Florencea slide 02/ Case Study MAKING TRACKS Bearpaw is expanding its turf with a move into the highend shoe market and flip-flop retail. By Barbara Schneider-Levy After cornering the market on moderately priced sheepskin footwear, Bearpaw founder Tom Romeo was ready for his next move. Last year, after nearly two decades in business, the entrepreneur introduced Luxe De León, a premium fashion brand made in Mexico. He also assumed the role of retailer with the acquisition of the Flip Flop Shops franchise in a move to create a more seasonless business. According to John Pierce, president of Bearpaw s parent company, Romeo and Juliette Inc., the fall 18 launch of Luxe De León gave the Citrus Heights, Calif.-based company entry into higher-end stores. About [18] months ago, Tom started talking about expanding Bearpaw into a premium brand, said Pierce, who foresaw the challenges of elevating the price points of a mainstream label. Instead, management decided to start from scratch and present Luxe De León as Studded slip-on sneakers for spring 19 a standalone line of boots and sandals for women and men, retailing for $120 to $270. In addition to their distinct price points, the brands target a variety of customers. Luxe De León is for a fashionista with more disposable income, said Pierce, adding that the Bearpaw consumer wants branded product at a great value. While each label operates independently, the Luxe De León sales force is taking advantage of Bearpaw s reputation. It goes a long way since [retailers] know there s money behind the launch, said Pierce. We have a [solid] reputation and are knowledgeable. So far, independents such as Orva, Scheel s and Rogan Shoes have picked up the new label. According to Rick Jenkins, president and GMM of Orva, located on New York s Upper East Side, the brand appeals to its upscale clientele. Luxe De León is a luxury line for us and what our consumer is looking for, said Jenkins, noting that the store also carries Bearpaw on its e-commerce site. The company has been a good partner, and our business has evolved. Meanwhile, Romeo also is focused on Flip Flop Shops, the string of 59 franchised stores that he acquired in June from Cherokee Global Brands. The Bearpaw sheepskin boot is the flip-flop of winter, Romeo said of the synergy between the two businesses. The alliance between Flip Flop Shops and Bearpaw will create the perfect balance of seasonal products and styles for consumers to enjoy year-round. Since the ownership change, a handful of Flip Flop Shops franchisees have added Bearpaw s fall product, and its spring goods will also be available. However, Edna De Pamphilis, global marketing director for Bearpaw, pointed out that each store determines its own product mix. Despite the issues of moving into new fashion territory, the company saw double-digit growth in 2018, according to Pierce, who expects business to be up again this year. Contributing to strong sales was the fall 18 addition of boots in wide widths, an untapped market in the sheepskin arena. It s gone extremely well, said the president. Additional silhouettes have been added for fall 19. To further distinguish itself in the winter category, Bearpaw is introducing Hiber Tech, 200 grams of foil-backed insulation built into the lining of its most popular Spring 19 boot from Luxe De León men s, women s and kids boots. The company has faced challenges, though, with its spring collection, which was introduced five years ago. It s still a building process and will take some time, said Pierce. There s more competition for spring sandals than shearling boots. And he admitted that Bearpaw s more fashion-driven fall product, such as heels and wedges, hasn t been an easy sell, either. When your buying dollars are short, you buy what you know you can sell, he said of the retail reception. But Bearpaw hasn t relied solely on footwear to grow. It also has developed a stronger fashion direction for its range of accessories, including hats, scarves and blankets. They ve been a nice addition to the boots, said Sheila Evans, co-owner of Scioto Shoe Mart in Portsmouth, Ohio. It gives a whole picture to the brand. Bearpaw s spring 19 Bitten sandal PHOTOS: COURTESY OF BRAND 56 FOOTWEARNEWS.COM

57 BLAKE NORDSTROM Today we mourn the loss of a great, unique visionary and leader in our industry. He transformed the retail experience forever and raised the bar for us all. May his legacy continue as an inspiration to new generations.

58 03/ Burning Question Dave Goldberg Owner and president, Ewing Athletics Learn to use the smallness of your brand. You have a shorter lead time; a lot of the big guys, they re planned 18 or 24 months in advance. With us, we can pivot quickly and change something right before we buy from the factory and be able to capitalize on a trend or keep buying a hot style. When you re smaller, you have more freedom to move quicker than when you re one of the big guys. Ewing Athletics Pimp C 33 Hi Lane Eight s AD 1 style WHAT CAN OUTDOOR BRANDS LEARN FROM NICHE SNEAKER PLAYERS? Though their businesses are small, these execs are making a big impact. Here s their advice for other labels. By Peter Verry Nobull Earth Heather trainer Marcus Wilson Co-founder, Nobull Spend time defining who you are as a brand and also who you are not and stay true to that. We at Nobull use that as a filter for everything we do, from product design to content design. We re not for everybody, and we re OK with that, and we ve been very honest with ourselves about who we are as a brand. For any startup in any industry, I would recommend the same thing. Ryan Babenzien Founder and CEO, Greats For starters, obsess over your customer, for they are the ones who will help you grow. New brands have one shot at converting a customer and keeping them, so if you are not making sure customers love your brand, the site experience, the product and so on, it will be very hard to build a solid business. Greats has made a series of mistakes along the way, but we have learned from each of them and improved. Greats Royale sneaker Josh Shorrock Co-founder, Lane Eight We identified our strengths and weaknesses early on and brought on strong partners who could fill in the gaps you re only as good as your weakest link, so hire a strong team. [And] we try to keep things consistent. We knew we had strong product to begin with, and from there, we ve held everything else we ve done to the same high standards. Koio s Chicago flagship Johannes Quodt Co-founder and co-ceo, Koio It s important to stay razor-focused on the quality and consistency of your product. At Koio, we chose a manufacturer that upheld our dedication to world-class craftsmanship. We ve [also] experienced growth in creating a community around our mission. Smaller brands can find great success in taking the time to learn about their consumers figure out what they re passionate about, where they live, what they do in their free time. You can use this information to inform your creative strategy. PHOTOS: COURTESY OF BRANDS 58 FOOTWEARNEWS.COM

59 ch2o 04/ First Look PRICES: snow joggers: $50-$80; outdoor styles: $130-$190 TARGET RETAILERS: independents, department and outdoor stores DELIVERY: July Western Chief s new ch20 line of weatherproof boots are ready for whatever winter dishes out. The collection consists of lifestyle looks for men, women and kids, and are built around a 1980s jogging-inspired boot. The shoes boast proprietary performance technologies such as a DryBuilt waterproof construction and WarmBuilt insulation. Other features include hook-and-loop closures for easy access, snowproof internal gussets and lug outsoles for enhanced grip. All boots are temperature rated to -30 degrees Fahrenheit. A companion men s collection in waterproof leather is rated up to -70 F, with Vibram MegaGrip outsoles. Barbara Schneider-Levy PHOTO: GEORGE CHINSEE FOOTWEARNEWS.COM 59

60 Designer Nevena Christi ART EFFECTS 05/ Good Taste Custom boot house Rocketbuster can turn any design fantasy into reality. By Barbara Schneider-Levy When Whoopi Goldberg, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Julia Roberts were on the hunt for a pair of over-the-top Western boots, they sought custom bootmaker Rocketbuster. The El Paso, Texas-based company, run by designer Nevena Christi and her husband, Marty Snortum, began as a stock house that Snortum purchased in When the 90s recession hit and local Western stores began closing, the business model was changed to mainly custom work. Rocketbuster boots average around $3,000, with many customers seeking styles that are more elaborate than ever before. Our boots are like large pieces of jewelry, said Christi. They re identity pieces outrageous, unique, memorable and comfortable. Some of the brand s creations have included a green alligator style with the image of a $100 bill and boots with the likeness of a geisha. Christi, who s in the process of creating boots for rapper Saint Jhn, said her dream client is Lady Gaga. I want to do more wild performance [looks] to wear onstage, she said. I want to use LED lights. A custom boot created for Arnold Schwarzenegger But the designer emphasized that customers don t have to be a celebrity to indulge in a pair of handmade boots all it takes is some imagination, an open checkbook and a wait time of six to eight months. Christi, who has a fashion and art background, is also training the next generation of craftsman by mentoring an architectural student and a graffiti artist. There was a time when there were many custom boot shops in Texas, but it s becoming a lost art, explained the designer, who considers Rocketbuster part of today s vibrant maker s movement, which promotes artisan work. To connect with customers globally, Rocketbuster relies on digital interactions. We love social media, said Christi. We can give people a real eye into our [El Paso] shop and show them how a handmade boot is put together. And customer satisfaction is high. We have a 75 percent [repeat-buyer] rate, and sometimes it s only a week since they got their boots, noted Christi. 06/ Five Questions ASHER CLARK The co-founder and design director of Vivobarefoot on sustainability misconceptions and retail expansion. By Peter Verry 1For spring 19, your brand introduced Vivo Bio. What is it? Vivo Bio is [a series of] shoes made from plant-based polymers. We mainly use algae and yellow field corn, and we do that with a company called Bloom and Dupont. They re made with materials that are between 40 and 50 percent plant-based. The rest are petrochemical, the same way shoes today are made. We want to push that bio content as close to 100 percent as we can. 2How much will Vivobarefoot rely on this line? That s a good question we can t answer until we can properly quantify the sustainable impact through the whole supply chain. But there s still a place for recycled plastic in certain areas, and there s a place for products made with beautiful natural materials like leather and wools. Until it s properly quantified down to the nth degree, these buckets of materials are going to be narratives in our collection. 3How effective is the outdoor market at selling sustainability? It s a hot topic at the moment, and sustainability is a marketing message, crudely put. Everyone is starting to do a good job with selling sustainable products, but I don t think there is enough understanding of what sustainability is. To a lot of people, it s around materials, which is important but only part of it. It s also where and how they re made, how they re transported and used, what happens at the end of their life. The outdoor industry isn t doing enough to look at smarter, cleaner ways to make product and materials. We re scratching the surface with getting in a few plastic bottles and recycled rubber here and there. 4What is Vivobarefoot s strategy to connect with consumers? The sustainability mindset and the barefoot mindset need Vivobarefoot Primus Bio to become a given for us. But the narrative around barefoot is a complicated one. The cold reality is, conversations around sustainability and performance are easier to get people into than barefoot and what it does for you. So it starts with product. We re trying to make shoes that are as healthy for your feet and the planet as possible. 5How are you approaching retail? We re about 75 percent directto-consumer, and the rest is wholesale and Vivo stores. Our main store is in London, and we ll be launching more shops in the States, Canada and Europe. Stores will be opening at the end of [this] year. PHOTOS: COURTESY OF BRANDS 60 FOOTWEARNEWS.COM

61 SNEAKER COLLABORATIONS They re hot. They re buzzy. Why collaborations still matter. ISSUE February 18 CLOSE DATE February 6 BONUS DISTRIBUTION: SHOE MARKET OF AMERICAS, SOLE COMMERCE & NW MATERIALS SHOW THE POWER OF CONTENT FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT SANDI MINES, VP AND PUBLISHER AT OR SMINES@FOOTWEARNEWS.COM

62 Ostrich adds texture to a Tony Lama style Ariat s embossed sterling silver metallic style Lane s militaryinspired style A TALL ORDER Sendra adds embroidery and studs to the boot with a metal toe rand 07/ Boot Trend Taking a cue from the fashion market, Western boot brands are lifting silhouettes knee-high this year and dressing them up with tooling, hardware and appliqués. A bloom of flowers decorates Ferrini s roper boot Liberty Black s harness boot with outside zipper Artisan patchwork look from Double D Ranch by Old Gringo PHOTOS: COURTESY OF BRANDS 62 FOOTWEARNEWS.COM

63 The Tradeshow Issues Get In Front of the Industry s Finest Pre-Show Issue ISSUE DATE: JANUARY 28 AD CLOSE: JANUARY 16 BONUS DISTRIBUTION: FN PLATFORM, FFANY Show Issue ISSUE DATE: FEBRUARY 04 AD CLOSE: JANUARY 23 BONUS DISTRIBUTION: FN PLATFORM, FFANY, The Atlanta Shoe Market, MICAM, Children s Great Event Shoe Show THE POWER OF CONTENT FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT SANDI MINES, VP AND PUBLISHER AT OR SMINES@FOOTWEARNEWS.COM

64 A model of Zhor-Tech s embeddable insole microprocessor YOU LEET A LEEACY THAT CONTINUES TO INSPIRE US. WE WILL MISS YOU DEARLY. In Remembrance BLAKE NORDSTROM TECH CHECK 08/ One to Watch As smartphones, smart homes and smart cars continue to proliferate, one electronics firm is giving its attention to the shoe industry. By Charlie Carballo FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM For breaking news, the hottest shoe sightings and must-have trends Join more than 95K Zhor-Tech, a Nancy, France-based electronics company that is focused on footwear, presented its latest innovations at the annual Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas last week. Some of its offerings include built-in heated soles, removable heated insoles (through its sister brand Digitsole), worker activity tracking and health management assessments. Karim Oumnia, the engineer who founded the firm in 2014, showcased one of its most cuttingedge products footwear with medical mobility monitoring. The embedded electronics within the shoes measure 12 parameters that constitute the walking profile of a person, including balance, step length, cadence, speed and impact force. There are hundreds of medical studies that prove that there is a direct relation between the gait analysis and many neurological diseases like Parkinson s, Alzheimer s, sclerosis and others, Oumnia explained. [With our technology], footwear will become a tool to detect a risk of disease and send a warning message to the person to visit a doctor due to the mobility disorder detected by the shoe. He said the company s goal from the beginning has been to license its technology to footwear brands instead of going direct-to-consumer. And by developing its own microprocessors, Zhor-Tech has reduced the cost for a brand to license its embeddable electronics to only $5 per pair. For the end consumer it will be $25 to $30 more at retail, he explained. Shoe brands have already partnered with Zhor-Tech to help them stand out in the market with unique bells and whistles. Canadian brand Dakota has incorporated the company s products into its line of workwear shoes, and safety footwear labels Uvex and Elten are also adaptors of the protection technology. The luxury market is embracing smart tech, too. Jimmy Choo tapped Zhor-Tech to develop its Voyager boot, which debuted last year. It boasts rechargeable (via USB) heated soles that can range from 77 to 113 degrees Fahrenheit, controlled by its branded app, which Zhor-Tech also produces for its clients. PHOTO: COURTESY OF COMPANY

65 PHOTOS: COURTESY OF BRANDS 09/ Buzz HEADING WEST Following the launch of its men s Rebel Pro collection for spring 19, Durango is adding a companion women s style for fall. The shoe is available in four colors and is built for all-day comfort and stability. Features include a proprietary Triple X-treme removable memory foam footbed, a fiberglass shank for midfoot support and a rocker heel. The boots retail for $170 and will deliver to work, farm, ranch and Western lifestyle retailers in May/June. STORM CHASERS Emu Australia is looking forward to a rainy season with the debut of Splash, An Emu Chelsea boot a collection of waterproof boots made of PVC. Inside, they feature a removable sheepskin footbed for warmth while sporting a slip-resistant outsole with a wave design. Included in the offering are a Chelsea boot and a pull-on style that come in a variety of colors. Retailing for $60 to $70, the boots will deliver in July to specialty stores and boutiques. FRESH FACES Oboz has a new crop of ambassadors who will contribute to its community engagement efforts. The new crew, boasting 22 outdoor adventurers across 15 states and Canada, will be tasked with testing product, appearing at company events and providing expertise through blogging. Also, the brand has several outings planned for team members, including hiking the Half Dome in California s Yosemite National Park and trekking Torres del Paine in Chile s Patagonia region. LACE IT UP One ski boot company has recently acquired a patent that could alter Caption tk lorem eras the way regular outdoor brands approach lacing. Apex is known for its two-part boot system, comprising a nanolite-carbon shell and a soft, snowboardlike inner boot. The Colorado-based brand has been refining the technology since its founding in 2006 and in November received patent approval for its Serpentine lacing a twist on the Boa system, which relocates and doubles up on the dials for a closer fit. Friction is the enemy for any boot, said Roger Neiley, co-founder and VP of product. The Serpentine lacing takes Boa or any other lacing system to a new performance level. A few new Oboz ambassadors Apex HP-L ski boot

66 Pick Lady Like Lady Gaga stole the spotlight last week. Just days after winning a Golden Globe in L.A., the megastar hit the National Board of Review Gala in New York decked out in a Ralph Lauren tuxedo dress and Gianvito Rossi s Rasnero pumps. The all-black ensemble was slightly more subdued than her previous red carpet look she d made a grand entrance at the Globes in Valentino haute couture and 7-inch Giuseppe Zanotti stilettos. PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK FN IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF FAIRCHILD PUBLISHING, LLC. COPYRIGHT 2019 FAIRCHILD PUBLISHING, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. PRINTED IN THE U.S.A. VOLUME 75, NO. 1. January 14, FN (ISSN X) is published 25 times per year by Fairchild Publishing, LLC, which is a division of Penske Business Media, LLC. PRINCIPAL OFFICE: 475 Fifth Ave, New York, NY Periodicals postage paid at New York, NY and at additional mailing offices. Canada Post: return undeliverable Canadian addresses to P.O. Box 503, RPO West Beaver Cre, Rich- Hill, ON L4B 4R6. POSTMASTER: SEND ADDRESS CHANGES TO FOOTWEAR NEWS, P.O. Box 6357, Harlan, IA, FOR SUBSCRIPTIONS, ADDRESS CHANGES, ADJUSTMENTS, OR BACK ISSUE INQUIRIES: Please write to FOOTWEAR NEWS, P.O. Box 6357, Harlan, IA, 51593, call , or customer service at footwearnews@cdsfulfillment.com. Please include both new and old addresses as printed on most recent label. For New York Hand Delivery Service address changes or inquiries, please contact Mitchell s NY at , option 7. One-year subscription price: U.S. $72, Canadian $149, foreign $295. Single-copy cost $10. Subscribers: If the Post Office alerts us that your magazine is undeliverable, we have no further obligation unless we receive a corrected address within one year. If during your subscription term or up to one year after the magazine becomes undeliverable, you are ever dissatisfied with your subscription, let us know. You will receive a full refund on all unmailed issues. First copy of a new subscription will be mailed within four weeks after receipt of order. We reserve the right to change the number of issues contained in a subscription term and/or the way the product is delivered. Address all editorial, business, and production correspondence to FOOTWEAR NEWS, 475 5th Ave, 2nd Fl., New York, NY For permissions and editorial requests, licensing@pmc.com. Visit us online at To subscribe to other Fairchild Publishing, LLC magazines on the World Wide Web, visit FOOTWEAR NEWS IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THE RETURN OR LOSS OF, OR FOR DAMAGE OR ANY OTHER INJURY TO, UNSOLIC- ITED MANUSCRIPTS, UNSOLICITE ART WORK (INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, DRAWINGS, PHOTOGRAPHS, AND TRANSPARENCIES), OR ANY OTHER UNSOLICITED MATERIALS. THOSE SUBMITTING MANUSCRIPTS, PHOTOGRAPHS, ART WORK, OR OTHER MATERIALS FOR CONSIDERATION SHOULD NOT SEND ORIGINALS, UNLESS SPECIFICALLY REQUESTED TO DO SO BY FOOTWEAR NEWS IN WRITING. MANUSCRIPTS, PHOTOGRAPHS, AND OTHER MATERIALS SUBMITTED MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY A SELF-ADDRESSED STAMPED ENVELOPE. 66 FOOTWEARNEWS.COM

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68 Our thoughts and prayers go to the Nordstrom family with the sudden loss of Blake Nordstrom. He was and always will be thought of with respect and appreciation by all of us here at Titan Industries. TITAN INDUSTRIES INC 1370 AVENUE OF THE AMERICAS 3RD FLOOR NEW YORK NEW YORK