INDUSTRY NEWS


Even In Recession, Toning Footwear Is Tops Segment Generated $145 Million in 2009 PORT WASHINGTON, NY—Market research company The NPD Group, Inc. has released 2009 sales results for the rapidly emerging toning and shaping footwear market. Toning and shaping footwear is a category marketed as a way to tone and shape muscles and/or burn calories while engaged in everyday activity. According to NPD’s Retail Tracking Service, this segment generated $145 million dollars in sales in the department store, national chain, shoe chain, and athletic specialty/sporting goods channels in 2009, up from $17 million in 2008. Sales increased dramatically during the fourth quarter of 2009, and while women’s product comprises the large majority of these sales, the men’s business began to pick up late in the year. “Given the challenges we faced last year, these growth rates are especially significant. It is clear that the consumer is becoming engaged. The key for the industry will be to not only keep current buyers engaged but to look for opportunities to expand the market.” said Marshal Cohen, chief industry analyst, The NPD Group, Inc.
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