Shoe-In

This week we are sharing all the ways FDRA is serving the industry. Checking out our site is always a great place to start, but on this episode we have a conversation about what we are doing regarding sustainability, diversity, supply chain and customs issues, and more!

COVID threw many people into the digital stream, but there are new tools being added to help brands adapt not only their 3D design and development, but how they use new dynamic digital tools to sell shoes to customers. Romans CAD has helped shoe companies digitize for decades and Jean-Marc Pedeboy joins us to talk about what companies are doing well, and the new tools they are launching to help optimize shoe orders that update everything automatically in the backend. A total workflow solution!

Leadership Series: Faryl Morse, Founder and CEO of Farylrobin Footwear joins the Shoe-In Show for the first time! Faryl shares her journey from working footwear retail as a teenager to owning her own brand. On this episode, we also discuss the importance of company culture during this time, women supporting each other in business and changes in consumer decision-making going forward.

There are a ton of individuals and groups who want to understand how to start a shoe brand and be successful. On this episode, we have on Susannah Davda, aka The Shoe Consultant, who shares with us some of what she offers as a consultant for both start-ups and established brands. We talk about common mistakes, manufacturing, the first steps to starting a brand, marketing and more.

Our leadership series continues with Jad Finck, the Head of Innovation & Sustainability at Allbirds, the fast growing California-based lifestyle brand and Climate Neutral B Corp, well-known for their merino Wool Runners and other ultra-comfy, nature-based footwear and apparel. As Matt Priest puts it, "Allbirds has become the darling of the industry, from an innovation perspective, a sustainability perspective, and a storytelling perspective." As one of the first employees at Allbirds, Jad led the development of the company's major material innovations including their eucalyptus fiber Tree fabric and SweetFoam™, a TIME Magazine Best Invention of the Year featuring the world's first carbon capturing, sugarcane-based EVA. Join us as Jad gives the Shoe-in Show an inside look at the stories behind these sustainable creations and takes us through Allbirds' pioneering work on publishing and reducing the carbon footprints of all their products in their mission to "reverse climate change through better business."

Dr. David Priest rejoins Shoe-In Show to provide key critical updates on the spread of COVID, vaccine distribution and critical thoughts around corporate travel, communications, and expectations for 2021. He also answers a slew of questions on the minds of our industry during these uncertain times. A must listen!

The Shoe-In Show Leadership Series continues as Diane Sullivan, Chairman & CEO of Caleres, stops by to share her shoe story taking her from chocolate to footwear. You'll also hear Diane's 2021 industry outlook and the key takeaways she has learned throughout the pandemic. Join this fascinating discussion around e-commerce, assortment, inventory management, customer engagement, and more!

This week we continue our leadership series with Tom Nastos, Chief Commercial Officer of Informa Markets, the fashion industry's premier trade show organizer. Tom is an industry vet and on this episode he shares stories of working with some of the top fashion brands, trend discovery during this time, and what to expect for trade shows in 2021.

Our 2021 leadership series continues with the this fun dynamic conversation with Andy Gilbert, President of Licensed Brands at Genesco. Andy provides his view of how 2021 may play out economically and how that will impact footwear sales. We also discuss how retailers and brands will continue to adjust strategy from product to inventory to channel based on consumer demand shifts. We also get into key tips to successful leadership in a continued work from home environment!

Vans Global Brand President Doug Palladini stops by Shoe-In Show to discuss why culture is king and doing the right thing will always win the day. You will also hear interesting ways the company is using customization and AI to meet the needs of the brand's passionate consumer base. As a part of our continuing Shoe-In Show Footwear Leadership Series, we think this is one of our best conversations and episodes ever!