The D'Amelio Family Launches a Shoe Line

Welcome back to FN Daily, where we break down the biggest stories happening in footwear and retail.

Today, we are taking a look at our May print issue and our cover story about the D'Amelio family launching a shoe line. Plus, we highlight 10 independent standout comfort stores and meet the Nike veteran Foot Locker tapped to lead its WSS business.

Here's what you need to know.

The D’Amelio Family Is Coming for Shoes — And Banking on Their Millions of Followers to Make Them Go Viral

Dixie and Charli D'Amelio have built an endorsement empire off their TikTok fame, racking up millions of dollars through deals with brands like Prada, Valentino, Puma and more.

Now, the pair and their parents are launching a shoe line — and they've enlisted the help of some footwear industry veterans to get it off the ground. But can social media influence translate into a successful brand story? The D’Amelio family thinks so.

In FN’s latest cover story, the social stars get candid about their business plan, which they believe has all the right ingredients to succeed in a fiercely competitive industry.

These 10 Independent Comfort Stores Are Flourishing in the New Normal

The retail landscape has changed dramatically, thanks to e-commerce and direct-to-consumer?brand competition, supply chain and inventory issues, inflation, hiring challenges and today’s fickle consumer.

But many independent stores have embraced the opportunities. And as consumer?demand for athletic product?has skyrocketed, comfort retailers have followed suit. Rick Ravel, owner of Karavel Shoes in Texas, said athletic now represents 40 percent of his business. Similarly, Stan’s Fit for Your Feet in Wisconsin transitioned two of its shops into specialty running stores this year, and Pennsylvania’s Shoe Fly Shoe Inc. is expanding its Appalachian Running Company athletic store concept.

As consumers rediscover the benefits of in-store shopping, FN highlights 10 independent comfort stores that are leading the way with high-level service and brand selection.

Foot Locker Inc. Taps Nike Vet Blanca Gonzalez to Lead the WSS Business

As Foot Locker Inc. continues to overhaul its executive ranks under CEO Mary Dillon, the retail giant is banking on a new hire from Nike to fuel growth at its WSS chain.

Blanca Gonzalez has been named the SVP and GM of WSS, effective May 15. She will report to Frank Bracken, EVP and chief commercial officer of Foot Locker Inc. (Jeffrey Porter had been interim GM of WSS.)

Prior to joining Foot Locker Inc., Gonzalez spent more than 19 years at Nike Inc., most recently serving as its VP of North America product merchandising. Throughout her time with the athletic giant, Gonzalez held various leadership roles within marketing, merchandising and sales.

Need more shoe news?

• Bergdorf’s Launches a ‘Conscious Closet’
• Walmart Names New U.S. Chief Merchandising Officer
• Nobull Chief Marketing Officer Todd Meleney Resigns
• Adidas CEO: We Need a ‘Different Business Model than Nike’

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