Atlanta Shoe Market Draws Upbeat Crowd, Though Supply Chain Issues Still Top of Mind

The Atlanta Shoe Market wrapped up its February edition today, and the twice-annual trade show attracted large crowds, with more than 1,500 brands represented and 2,000 registered retailers. Laura Conwell-O’Brien, executive director of the Atlanta Shoe Market, told FN that the event exceeded its pre-pandemic levels from February 2020. She noted that the show also attracted a larger selection of international vendors from Portugal, Spain, Brazil and elsewhere. And a greater number of non-U.S. retailers were in attendance, as were buyers from major companies including Rack Room, Famous Footwear and HSN. Both brands and store buyers were all smiles at the show, grateful to be back in person and to be feeling the boon of a strong holiday season and continued consumer spending in January. Garrett Breton, president of Comfort One Shoes, said that his chain of stores has experienced huge gains in its e-commerce business over the past two years, which has helped offset some slowdowns at its locations in Washington, D.C.’s office districts. As for comfort-fashion brand Ara, it capitalized on recent sales momentum by debuting its first men’s line for fall ’22. The made-in-Italy collection consists of roughly 37 styles, ranging from dress looks to Gore-Tex performance hikers, retailing for $200-$240.

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