INDUSTRY NEWS

COLUMBIA, Md. (Nov. 3, 2008)—The National Shoe Retailers Association (NSRA) has announced it will host the first Shoe Retailing Today Annual Leadership Forum at the Don CeSar Resort in St. Petersburg, Fla. April 29–May 1.

The forum aims to give independent footwear retailers strategies to compete more effectively in tight economic times, while also emphasizing to vendors the importance the independent sector plays in their success. During the event, NSRA will also launch two new initiatives. The first is a new Shoe Fit DVD program that teaches employees professional shoe fitting skills, while the second is a Next Generation program that addresses the issues faced by young people entering the family footwear business.

“Shoe retailing has really become international in its scope because of sourcing, fashion and the global economy,” says Ed Habre, chairman of NSRA’s board of directors and owner of Shoe Mill in Portland, Ore. “The next generation of American shoe retailers will face issues that are significantly different than the ones I faced coming into the industry as my dad’s partner and eventual successor.

The two-day program is open only to independent retailers and vendors who sell to independents. “Independents know who our competition is,” Habre adds. “NSRA is here to give us tools that help us compete more effectively.” Forum sessions will include panels and informal roundtable discussions, as well as nationally recognized speakers delivering keynote presentations.

“The twin strengths of the forum are, first, that it’s retailers mentoring retailers,” said NSRA president Chuck Schuyler, “Second, it’s focused on the industry sector that has significant growth potential. Independents compete on knowledge and service, not by slashing prices. Our annual forum is an excellent venue for vendors and retailers to come together and discuss ways to raise profitability.”

Specific forum sessions will be listed on NSRA’s website, www.nsra.org, in late November.

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