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Shut Out by Shoe Giants, ‘Mom and Pop’ Stores Feel Pinched
A number of shoe companies have cut off many small retailers that were already struggling to adapt to shoppers’ changing behavior
Colburn Shoe Store, established in 1832, advertises itself as the oldest shoe store in the country.
The Hornes are among a number of independent retailers who have been cut off in recent years by giant shoe manufacturers adjusting their retail strategies. In some cases, small businesses are required to make large yearly purchases of $20,000 or more. That outlay can amount to at least 500 pairs of shoes, far too many for a one-room shop to carry and sell in a year in addition to its other brands.
“It doesn’t mean the physical stores are going to go away, but there will be a whole lot less of them,” said Matt Powell, a sports industry analyst for NPD. “It’s unfortunate, because our country’s retail business was built on the small mom-and-pops.”
Shut Out by Shoe Giants, ‘Mom and Pop’ Stores Feel Pinched
A number of shoe companies have cut off many small retailers that were already struggling to adapt to shoppers’ changing behavior
Colburn Shoe Store, established in 1832, advertises itself as the oldest shoe store in the country.
The Hornes are among a number of independent retailers who have been cut off in recent years by giant shoe manufacturers adjusting their retail strategies. In some cases, small businesses are required to make large yearly purchases of $20,000 or more. That outlay can amount to at least 500 pairs of shoes, far too many for a one-room shop to carry and sell in a year in addition to its other brands.
“It doesn’t mean the physical stores are going to go away, but there will be a whole lot less of them,” said Matt Powell, a sports industry analyst for NPD. “It’s unfortunate, because our country’s retail business was built on the small mom-and-pops.”
I almost never go to indie shoe stores, terrible return policies. If I am getting a known brand, I will go to a department store or discounters.
But in recent years, most of my shoes have come directly from manufacturers or direct to consumer brands. Because they tend to be more interesting and have nicer construction quality.
I almost never go to indie shoe stores, terrible return policies. If I am getting a known brand, I will go to a department store or discounters.
But in recent years, most of my shoes have come directly from manufacturers or direct to consumer brands. Because they tend to be more interesting and have nicer construction quality.
Well, that's an interesting thought. I've never in my life returned a pair of shoes, except once when I got something cheap from a discount place and they stank up the whole room.
Well, that's an interesting thought. I've never in my life returned a pair of shoes, except once when I got something cheap from a discount place and they stank up the whole room.
I now try to wear things around the house a little bit for taking them on a maiden voyage. Apparently my feet are weird and swell at wakeup, not in the evening. So things that seem fine in the afternoon or evening will feel too tight in the AM. Or they don't go with the intended outfits.
I’d love a shoe store that sold wides and narrows. We don’t all have medium width feet! In recent years it has become increasingly difficult to find wide shoes in stores. Even a brand like Cole Haan, which makes wide shoes, refuses to carry them in their own storefronts.
I’m often forced to mail order, which limits me to a few brands that I know tend to work for me, and makes it a lot more difficult to bargain shop! I love online shopping for most things, but it stinks to have to do it for shoes. Even Nordstrom, with their extensive shoe department, now stocks very few wides. If a huge department store doesn’t find it cost effective to carry shoes in a range of normal sizes, I don’t know how a tiny boutique shoe store could possibly do so.
Location: East of Seattle since 1992, 615' Elevation, Zone 8b - originally from SF Bay Area
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I didn’t know there are still any shoe stores, I haven’t seen on since the 1990s. I buy my sneakers at Costco, work and dress shoes online. I have been size 10-1/2 since about 1965, so no need to try them on and pay more, I shop around the Internet and find some for $59 usually at Amazon that are $90 at places like Kohl’s.
I didn’t know there are still any shoe stores, I haven’t seen one since the 1990s.
Well, places like DSW are still around but the last few times I went there every single pair I looked at was made in China, so I walked out. I found a good brand of dress shoes made in Italy (Thierry Rabotin) and buy them on-line, but haven't bought any since I retired 5 years ago. The good stuff lasts. My sandals are from Birkenstock (made in Germany) and I also buy them on-line. Once you know your size, you don't need to worry about returns.
I do buy boots in person. Western wear stores are big around here and I like to try them on and buy US-made brands.
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