New Shoes Boosts Our Economy

There isn’t too much HOT news this fine, cold Monday morning in San Francisco. Besides prank calls about Bernie Mac’s Death–he didn’t really die–and the Teen Choice Awards, retailers in general seem to have survived this weekend. Somewhat amazingly, airlines are still flying and consumers are still able to use their gift cards.

However, the recession we seem to be in the midst of is still there– gas is still expensive, food prices have gone up and Starbucks is still charging $4 for a latte. But hey, we’re still Americans, and we love to shop. Even when our credit cards are through the roof, we’re still finding ways to save money at the pump, while pumping up our economy.

According to FootwearNews.com ( I know, Footwear News?) more shoe shoppers are going online and footwear retailers on the Web are cashing in.

“As gas prices have surpassed $4 a gallon and mall traffic continues to slump, a number of online merchants, including Amazon.com’s fashion unit Endless.com, have recorded sales increases and rising Web traffic. Shop.org, the digital division of the National Retail Federation, has forecast a 17 percent increase in online sales for 2008, despite the down economy.”

To summarize, the online retail industry continues to impress this summer. Web-based footwear retailers have the ability to offer a wide range of styles at lower prices than traditional retailers and shoppers appreciate being able to comparison shop easily and effectively.

“According to a July survey of 7,500 customers conducted by research firm Big Research, 16.4 percent of consumers said they were shopping more often online compared with 12.6 percent a year earlier. That’s good news for Web-based footwear behemoths such as Zappos.com.”

In addition, “Online consumers are also looking for best deals, according to Phil Rist, EVP at Big Research. Rist said a recent survey revealed that 23.8 percent of the consumers surveyed said they comparison shopped online versus 16.4 percent a year earlier.”

I found myself trying to find some kicks this weekend down in the Haight. I never go shoe shopping, better said, I’ve never actually bought shoes in a store before.

I’ll go to a real, physical shop, try the shoe on, walk around in them. Then I’ll go online to comparison shop, find a free shipping coupon, and purchase. I love new shoes.

You know the feeling of wearing new shoes for the first time? Oh yeah…..

Paolo Nutini’s “New Shoes”