When it comes to shoes, women simply get to have more fun than men. It's just a fact. A great pair of shoes can perk up a rotten day, and if they're comfortable and cute, you can almost bank on them flying off your store shelves.
Shoe manufacturers are now incorporating new technology to combine fashion smarts with comfort. And the Internet makes it easier than ever for shoppers, with so many styles for hard-to-fit feet, including women's wide width shoes.
If you're a retailer looking to expand into women's shoes, think about the following:
1. You'll want to look into some of the hottest brands in women's shoes, including Sketchers, Cole Haan, Steve Madden, Kenneth Cole Reaction and Naturalizer.
2. Consider flats and high heels for women's business shoes.
3. Remember to include several different price points when stocking your shelves.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Choose a variety of styles in women's business casual shoes
Women have so many choices available to them when it comes to fashion, and shoes are not exception. In business casual shoes, women have the choice of fun flat styles in fabric, suede, leather or mixed materials. Then there's wedge styles that combine the comfort of a flat with a lovely lift for the leg.
I recommend: Cole Haan gives a gift to women in the
Amelia Air Sling, combining an open toe sling style with Nike Air cushioning on the sole. The
Sherene Espadrille Wedge by Naturalizer is available in women's wide shoes from
www.shoes.com.
Stock up on high heels for women who mean business
Look for peep-styles and slingbacks, as well as patent leather and platform heels in women's shoes. Pointy-toe styles are still in, but they can be especially cruel for women with wide feet. Make sure you have plenty of women's wide dress shoes and narrow styles on hand to accommodate all sorts of feet.
I recommend: Check out the huge selection of women's shoes and high heels at
www.shoes.com. The
Lifestride Anna 2-1/4 inch heel is a must-have selection for women's wide width shoes in black, brown, and metallic silver or gold.
Add some fun women's shoe styles to your shelves
And now for some fun. When the workday is over, women love to relax in shoes they can kick on and off quickly, but still look neat just in case they run into an important client. Give your customers shoes with high "kickability" factor including clogs, slides and track-style sneakers.
I recommend: Ugg makes more than furry boots, they also have many casual styles in women's shoes. Try out the
Kohala clog for a style that offers fashion, comfort and warmth with the fleece lining. The
Skechers Bikers-Straightaway is available in women's wide shoes at
www.skechers.com.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- Make sure to stock up more on common women's sizes from sizes 7-9 in average widths and women's wide width shoes.
The official source of Womens Shoes is the Womens Shoes page at Business.com
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