#439 Critical EU Marketplace and Ops Insights

In the latest episode of The Shoe-In Show, we explore the changing landscape of the Brazilian footwear industry. Our guests, Karin Becker and Christian Thomas from IBTeC in Brazil, share insights on how footwear trends are evolving. We discuss how Brazilian footwear companies are repositioning themselves, focusing on quality, innovative designs, and shorter lead times. This refreshing approach offers an alternative to Asian markets, presenting opportunities for American brands to co-develop with Brazilian companies. Tune in to learn about the untapped potential and advantages of sourcing from Brazil. With special guests: Karin Becker, Commercial Manager, IBTeC and Christian Thomas, CEO, Green Age ACT Hosted by: Matt Priest and Andy Polk

Matt, Andy, and Thomas unpack key takeaways from last week's presidential debate, particularly as it relates to trade and tariff policies. Listen in to get exclusive political insights from your resident footwear industry experts on the current dynamics of the race and any impacts the debate may (or may not have) had on voters. With special guests: Matt Priest, President & CEO, FDRA, Andy Polk, Senior Vice President, FDRA, and Thomas Crockett, Vice President, Government Affairs, FDRA

This week on Shoe-In, Matt and Thomas welcome footwear industry innovator Elias Stahl, CEO and cofounder of Hilos. Exploring his unconventional entrance into the industry via software and supply chain management, Elias reveals his vision for delivering on-demand, zero-waste footwear that both mitigates industry waste and reconnects us to craft. You'll also hear a discussion on how advancements in 3D printing offer a new competitive edge in producing high-quality, performance-driven footwear. Lastly, learn more about the amazing Made in Old Town initiative rising up in Portland as we speak. With special guest: Elias Stahl, CEO & Co-Founder, Hilos Hosted by: Matt Priest and Thomas Crockett

On this special Labor Day edition of Shoe-In, JP Stevenson, Head of Market Development, EIQ at LRQA, joins Matt and Thomas to discuss all the latest trends around supply chain visibility and complying with emerging forced labor regulations. Listen in to discover insights from LRQA's comprehensive footwear factory audit data and steps global footwear brands are taking to ensure compliant supply chains and shoe factory operations. With special guest: JP Stevenson, Head of Market Development, EiQ, LRQA Hosted by: Matt Priest and Thomas Crockett

Straight from the Netherlands, Peter Erren joins us to share some of the challenges facing the EU marketplace today. We cover how brands and retailers are dealing with extending shipping timelines, and the mold issues it is causing, managing inventories and changing consumers. Peter shares some key insights on solutions provided by his company in mitigating quality issues and adapting to these changes. We also discuss new EU regulations which prohibit the destruction of unsold goods, urging companies to proactively adjust to these changes. With special guest: Peter Erren, Owner & Chief Product Saver, Erren Recondition Hosted by: Andy Polk and Matt Priest

This week on Shoe-In Show listen in as Dr. Fernando Pena, an orthopedic surgeon and co-founder of Julieta Barcelona, offers his unique approach to designing shoes. Arising from Fernando's wife's struggle to find fashionable yet comfortable shoes, this emerging shoe brand was founded to provide a pain-free option for fashionable and professional women. With Fernando's medical background he has a distinct understanding of foot mechanics crucial in designing truly comfortable shoes. His mantra, everyone deserves to walk pain-free, drives the brand's mission. With special guest: Dr. Fernando Pena, Co-Founder, Julieta Barcelona Hosted by: Matt Priest and Sandi Mines

Footwear is a constant battle with consumer expectations around fit. Jones & Vining leaders join us to discuss the central role their company plays with both new and traditional footwear brands to perfect fit and comfort. They share how they are now leveraging consumer trends, and using new technology, to help brands at the start of the process and also in the factory. With special guests: Moon Tran, VN Country Manager, Jones & Vining and Tom Iredale, Sr. VP Sales & Marketing, Jones & Vining Hosted by: Andy Polk and Matt Priest

In this episode of the world's leading shoe industry podcast, Matt and Sandi welcome Jack Gindi, CEO of Ground Up International. Jack shares his journey from retail to the dress shirt industry, eventually entering footwear through a resort-focused line of flip-flop sandals. Discussing the opportunities and challenges he's faced, Jack emphasizes the importance of innovation, product exclusivity, and understanding consumers' needs as they partner with some of the biggest names in entertainment and pop culture. Tune in to learn more about Jack's unique business model and how they are reshaping the footwear industry one pair at a time. And make sure you hit up Ground Up by visiting groundupshop.com. With special guest: Jack Gindi, CEO, Ground Up International Hosted by: Matt Priest and Sandi Mines

In this week's Shoe-In Show, you'll hear realtime analysis surrounding the historic nature of this year's presidential race and its impact on the footwear industry. Discussing the changing landscape of the presidential race, the impact on Congress, and what this means for the industry, our analysts Matt Priest, Andy Polk, and Thomas Crockett present a fresh perspective on the rapidly evolving political environment. Tune in to hear analysis you won't get anywhere else...we promise. With special guests: Matt Priest, President & CEO, FDRA and Thomas Crockett, Vice President, FDRA Hosted by: Andy Polk, Senior Vice President, FDRA

What's influencing consumer behavior in the age of inflation? Matt and Sandi welcome economic thought leader Greg Petro to help unpack all the latest footwear consumer and costing trends. As CEO of First Insight, Greg provides analysis around shifts in consumer attitudes, the resilience of footwear companies responding to said attitudes, and his expectations for the economy heading into 2025. Access these valuable insights and more by listening to this timely episode of Shoe-In. With special guest: Greg Petro, CEO, First Insight, Inc Hosted by: Matt Priest and Sandi Mines