Rack Room Shoes President & CEO Mark Lardie joins Matt, Andy and Jasmine as they explore the current state of footwear retail, expectations for 2021 and the success behind the shoes Mark and his team curate for suburban shoppers. Jasmine unveils a new technology that allows for people to scan QR codes off the bottoms of their shoes in her Fashion Footwear in Focus segment.
Dec 14, 2020•29 min•Ep. 245
Team FDRA comes together to talk about the importance of the merger of FDRA and FFANY with John Heron, FDRA's Strategic Marketplace Advisor. How often should the industry gather for a trade show? What are the best dates? What should a virtual platform entail? Listen in to hear answers to these questions and more. Jasmine jumps in to discuss mask fashion in her Fashion Footwear in Focus segment.
Dec 07, 2020•41 min•Ep. 244
Team FDRA has a fun, enlightening, discussion about the recent election on this episode that covers new ideas you wont hear elsewhere! We go deep into how the election results will reshape policy and politics, what forces inside and outside government will change everyones political calculus and what to look for going forward that could impact your wallets and jobs!
Nov 30, 2020•48 min•Ep. 243
Listen in as an esteemed panel of experts weigh in on 2020 forecasted holiday shoe sales in the midst of a pandemic and the explosion of e-commerce.
Nov 23, 2020•59 min•Ep. 242
With all the discounting taking place at retail, companies are having to rewrite their playbook when it comes to trade, using new strategies to lower costs. KPMG's Nicole Porpiglia joins us to discuss what successful companies are doing today to lower duty costs and raise profits in these challenging times!
Nov 16, 2020•28 min•Ep. 241
Kent Zimmerman, Vice President, eCommerce & Consumer Technology, Shoe Carnival joins us to talk about the new dynamics of online shoe retail today. We go deep on how important eComm is to not just sales but to understanding customers today, how "data wisdom" is key, as well as what sort of talent are needed to staff a robust eComm operation. We also talk about the future as well as preparing for holiday sales during this great conversation!
Nov 09, 2020•35 min•Ep. 240
Matt, Andy and Jasmine welcome Daniel Sepúlveda from the Mexican Chamber of Footwear to discuss the strategic ways Mexican footwear producers are increasing their export competitiveness during the era of COVID-19. Jasmine jumps in with her world famous Fashion Footwear in Focus to discuss the latest trends from Slow Man Shoes.
Nov 02, 2020•28 min•Ep. 239
In 2020 we are seeing the lowest footwear prices we've seen in a very long time! Kerry Rasmussen, Manager, Major Accounts at Farrow joins us this episodes because her career has been dedicated to helping businesses save money which most companies are in serious need of now! Listen to today's episode as Kerry explains a little about the services Farrow provides, how they are managing clients now, and her advice to companies.
Oct 26, 2020•31 min•Ep. 238
Ho Ho Ho! Before Halloween? Yep! According to our just released national survey shoe buyers are looking for the best deals NOW! Don't miss this fun look at exclusive data on shoe shoppers nationwide - sure to help you better market and increase sales. We asked consumers across the US where they were buying this year (online or in-store), what and when they were going to buy, how much they are going to spend and what they are looking for!
Oct 19, 2020•34 min•Ep. 237
This week we have Ryan Gaither, International Sales Executive at BillerudKorsnäs join us to talk about packaging trends, sustainable packaging, the responsibility brands have on supply chain, and how cost will be impacted going into the new year.
Oct 12, 2020•28 min•Ep. 236
This week we take a look at software and digital tools changing how shoe companies are designing and developing shoes to even how they are selling shoes online. The Foundry is well know for their visual tools and Jenna Villa joins us to talk about how shoe companies are using different tools to optimize remote workflows, cut costs, speed up processes and provide some amazing visuals to help engage customers! This is a great conversation for anyone looking for simple steps to a new digital future...
Oct 05, 2020•23 min•Ep. 235
Shoe-blazers Sean and Shannon Scott drop by Shoe-In to discuss the concept and mission of COMUNITYmade -- an LA-based shoe company making high-quality footwear in the U.S. and giving back to the local community. Jasmine jumps in to discover the shoes on the Scott's feet and what they plan to purchase in her world-famous Whatcha Got? Whatcha Gettin'? segment.
Sep 28, 2020•34 min•Ep. 234
This is a must listen for everyone in footwear. In this episode FDRA deep dives into real time marketplace dynamics impacting shoe brands and retailers - from shoe sales numbers to how higher costs in the supply chain against rising discount demands from consumers are putting a historic squeeze on retail profits. We also discuss how the Fed is pumping money to prop up markets against the politics behind the next stimulus needed to help prevent a consumer disposable income crisis in Q3 and Q4. We...
Sep 21, 2020•33 min•Ep. 233
Vi3's own Paul Foley stops by Shoe-In to discuss the latest technologies being deployed by Vi3 to help track and stop the flow of counterfeit goods and the diverting of legitimate product to unauthorized channels. With an extensive background working for brands like NIKE, Converse and Reebok, Paul knows the industry in-and-out. Find out even more information at fightfootwearfakes.com .
Sep 14, 2020•23 min•Ep. 232
This episode we talk to Lucy Reece-Raybould, The British Footwear Association's newest leader about the retail environment in the UK, footwear manufacturing, e-commerce, and upcoming joint briefing between the two associations.
Sep 07, 2020•33 min•Ep. 231
Learn from Stephanie Greenfield, Managing Director of Product Development at Dan Post Boot Company, how the iconic western brand is leveraging digital product testing and the Voice of the Customer to get to market faster with winning new styles.
Aug 31, 2020•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 230
The Shoe-In Show team listens in on Matt's recent conversation with Steve Madden Chairman and CEO Ed Rosenfeld at the Footwear News digital summit. Topics on the agenda include the overall economy, COVID consumer behavior, the US China trade war, get-out-the-vote efforts, social change and more!
Aug 24, 2020•34 min•Ep. 229
For the first time ever FDRA is having a digital sustainability week! Conversations surrounding footwear sustainability have continuously increased over the years and FDRA has been a huge part of the conversation by bringing the industry together to collaborate on these topics. On this week's episode Matt, Andy, and Jasmine casually go through sustainable topics. For a deep dive, best practices, and how we can overall just be more eco-conscious please sign up for our Sustainability Week (August ...
Aug 17, 2020•41 min•Ep. 228
The 2020 presidential election is upon us so it was only right that we invited Dr. Spencer Kimball, Director of Polling at Emerson College for this week's episode. Listen as Dr. Spencer give us some insight on polling, breaks down the big miss of the 2016 polling, voting during a pandemic, forecasting for November, and much more! We encourage our shoe lovers and shoe-in supports to get educated and vote.
Aug 10, 2020•46 min•Ep. 227
Michael Su, Co-founder/Business Development Executive, 4D ShoeTech joins us for this Kicks Over Coffee to discuss how they are taking shoe sketches from brands and transforming them into 3D models that help factories make shoe more accurately, but also give brands some great visual assets they can use to sell the shoes. The future is now and as brands look to pivot quickly to digital design and development - a quick turn without having to invest in new software and people would be a 3D “digital ...
Aug 03, 2020•24 min•Ep. 226
On this episode of Shoe-In Show, Jasmine shares her interview with Kerhyl Gantt, Digital Brand Director of Jordan Brand at Nike. Hear how Kerhyl landed at Nike, experience launching the 2019 Air Jordan 11, best digital tools and platforms, and much more!
Jul 27, 2020•42 min•Ep. 225
This week we are joined by Reebok's former Senior Recruiter, Darla DeGrace who is now CEO of the DeGrace Group, a diversity staffing and culture solutions firm. Brands and organizations are urgently looking for ways to correct their company culture and become more diverse. Darla lends her expert advice and provides actionable ways in which companies can improve - starting now! Chat with Darla here: https://www.degracegroup.com
Jul 20, 2020•28 min•Ep. 224
Jasmine and Matt welcome Kelly Helfman and Belinda Pina to Shoe-In to discuss the present and future of footwear trade shows in both the digital and physical space. With MICAM Americas set for an entire digital experience this Fall, there is much work to be done. As you’ll hear, Kelly and Belinda are up to the task.
Jul 13, 2020•36 min•Ep. 223
On this Shoe-In Show episode, Sara Vanderhoff, Associate General Counsel, Global Brands at adidas Group, joins to discuss the importance of protecting your footwear brand in the global marketplace. Walk away with key strategies to building effective and dynamic IP enforcement protocols based on Sara’s vast experience defending one of our industry’s most iconic brands.
Jul 06, 2020•32 min•Ep. 222
FFANY's Executive Director, John Heron joins the Shoe-In Show for an exciting episode! FFANY market weeks are vital to the footwear industry and John stops by to discuss the future of trade shows, pivoting to digital experiences, and why we must continue to have market week gatherings in person. FDRA and FFANY are also moving to join forces - hear how two of the largest footwear associations plan to work together to serve the industry in a bigger way.
Jun 29, 2020•34 min•Ep. 221
Footwear industry veteran Dave Grange joins us to talk about a very hot topic! What will the footwear industry look like post-pandemic? We dive into everything from online sales, which brands will come out on top, trade shows, and much more. Listen now and join the conversation by dropping us a message.
Jun 22, 2020•42 min•Ep. 220
There is a ton of uncertainty surrounding us all right now. Discussion around moving footwear sourcing out of China has been circulating for a few years now but during the current state of the world the topic has become even hotter! Check out this episode as Andy and Matt discuss some reasons why you may or may not want to continue exploring other sourcing options.
Jun 15, 2020•32 min•Ep. 219
This show is all about ideas and new tools - making it a must listen! Shoe E-commerce is exploding but big challenges remain from how shoes are delivered to how consumers shop and interact with shoes online. Team FDRA discusses bold ideas brands can consider to increase profits through new delivery options, new tools to help increase clicks to conversions and reduce returns!
Jun 08, 2020•43 min•Ep. 218
Jasmine takes over the podcast for a quick chat with Ryan Yates, Coach & Marketing Director, at Hoop Mountain Dubai about ESPN's 10-part doc series "The Last Dance," covering MJ's career. Can't talk basketball without talking footwear, we get Ryan's thoughts on the doc, top retro Jordan's and the impact of the brand. Check Out Hoop Mountain Dubai Here: https://hoopmountain.ae/
Jun 01, 2020•18 min•Ep. 217
With footwear duties increasing at a historic and astronomical rate, it’s more important than ever that you have the tools in place to try and mitigate the impact. Join us as we discuss these tools and more with Liz Connell of ONESOURCE Global Trade.
May 25, 2020•20 min•Ep. 216