In the dynamic footwear market, keeping up-to-date with consumer trends and behaviours is essential. This is why the recent survey on Footwear Consumption in the United States, conducted by AlixPartners in collaboration with the Footwear Distributors and Retailers of America (FDRA), is an invaluable tool for Quinorgan.
The survey, carried out between the 19th and 21st of March 2024 with over 1,000 American footwear consumers aged over 15 years, reveals critical insights into the preferences and buying behaviours in the footwear industry. Below, we highlight the main trends:
- Brand preference and the importance of in-store experience: A key finding of the survey is the strong loyalty towards sportswear brands, where consumers show a significant preference for purchasing in specialised stores, both online and physical. This underscores the importance of the brand in the purchasing decision. Furthermore, the study reveals that consumers value the possibility of trying on footwear before buying it, with 76% citing this as the main reason for preferring in-store purchases.
- Impact of inflation and pricing strategies: Inflation has altered purchasing behaviours, with 42% of consumers more inclined this year to look for coupons or wait for sales before making a purchase.
- E-commerce and the need for omnichannel integration: Although there is a strong preference for in-store purchases due to the ability to try products, the survey also indicates a growing trend towards online shopping, driven by convenience and the availability of quick deliveries.
- Implications for Quinorgan: Using the survey data to tailor our product offerings and align them with current consumer tastes can significantly strengthen our position in the market. Additionally, focusing efforts on improving logistics and optimising operations are crucial steps to meet demand and enhance customer experience.
This survey on Footwear Consumption in the United States provides us with a clear vision of where consumer preferences and behaviours are headed in 2024.
