As Extreme Heat Wave Hits Canada & US, Some Shoe Retailers See Sales Boost, Others Close Shop

An unprecedented heat wave has brought record-high temperatures to the Pacific Northwest, starting this past weekend. At nearly 116 degrees, parts of British Columbia were hit with extreme weather warnings. According to reports, deaths spiked in the Vancouver area since Friday, with authorities now determining whether the heat played a role. To escape the high temperatures, many Pacific Northwesterners took to shopping, giving a welcome boost to independent retailers, who have faced numerous challenges since the start of the pandemic. “It’s been great for business,” said Rand Clement, owner of The Right Shoe in Vancouver. “With the heat, people just want to get out of their shoes and into sandals.” Teva and Dansko have been top-selling brands at The Right Shoe, and Birkenstock remains hot with sales up 30% in June. Although, there have been some drawbacks, said Clement. With the recent boost in sales, there is now a lack of inventory for July and August. “It’s good news, bad news. I have just what’s left on the shelves,” he added. For Chris Bentvelzen, owner of Shoes-N-Feet in Bellevue, Wash., his store proved to be a place of refuge. “I think a lot of people who didn’t have air conditioning went to a place that did. Shopping

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