Let me just start off by saying that I cannot wait for 2010….I feel like a lot of us have had a rough, exciting year that showed us what we are made of. 2009 has been a year of make it or break….I am happy to say that I feel I fall into the first category as we head into the last couple of weeks.  When I left my company last year around this time, I said that 09 was going to be a year of building a solid foundation and 2010 would be the year of significant growth….well I was right on the first part, so I am going to believe I will be right on the second part. This year we all learned we can survive and to me….that is priceless!  I have to say that #10 is my favorite prediction and I totally agree….big things ahead for this little site! Just watch!! -Julia

As we approach the end of the decade, here are 10 predictions for 2010 and beyond:

1. 2010 will be better than 2009! Unless the dollar gets devalued by a significant world event.   People are finally adjusting to the “new normal”.  Retailers are learning to operate with less dependency on vendors for inventory.   Vendors will continue to aggressively cut expenses.
2. Vendors will to grow their on line presence Most vendors will roll out their own site if they have not already.   Vertical integration (producing and selling ones own product) will become a priority for most vendors.
3. Vendors will be saying “no” more often. After the year we just had, there will be little room for additional mark down money, margin money, contest money, etc.
4. The Independents that survive and prosper will be the ones who approach business differently. These owners will hunt aggressively for new opportunities in selling and conducting business.  The retailers that wait around for the economy to improve are finished.   The smart retailer drives his business or will get driven out of business.
5. 2010 is the year for the small vendor. I honestly have no agenda here.   I spoke to a very prominent retailer in the northeast last week and he told me that he is still carrying the “big brands” but he is hunting for new, smaller unique brands.   He says “instead of buying the second and third color of the same style, I am reserving that open to buy for new vendors that offer fresh product and not overly distributed”.   Circle gets the square!!!
6. Smaller, regional shows will become much more important. WSA has become incredibly fragmented and for many, FFANY is too expensive.   Well organized, regional shows hold promise.
7. Product, Product, Product! A renewed focus on the product as vendors adjust to a new economy will prevail.   Recently, I went shoe shopping with my Wife at a major department store.   I was stunned to find that most all product lacked emotional appeal and focused almost singularly on price and function.   This will change as buyers scramble for something to drive business…other than coupons and BOGOS.
8. More consolidation among vendors. 2010 will be the year of the buy outs as bigger fish look to add incremental business.
9. Company only reps will become more and more rare. A good friend of mine now carries a brand of flip flops, comfort women’s shoes, a high end sock line for runners, an environmentally conscience water bottle line, and a t-shirt line for runners that block UV rays.   This makes economic sense as he can widen the number of accounts he can sell.   Companies will no longer want to pay for health benefits or full time salaries.
10. Shoebizness.com will become more relevant as more and more contributors agree to write articles. Shoebizness is a sum of its parts.   As the site gains popularity, more and more people will want to participate in the articles.

I will remember 2009 for buy outs, bail outs, BOGOS, and big Government.   Let’s hope that 2010 brings new creativity to the product and to the industry!

Ken Proctor
Front Man
Twig Footwear, LLC
c: 501.276.0140
e: Ken@twigfootwear.com
www.twigfootwear.com