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Gary Hauss has a new mission – one that aims to bring the footwear industry together under one roof.
After the veteran shoe retailer was forced to close his California J. Stephens chain due to the tension of the pandemic, Hauss said he hit a personal low. “Some days it was hard to get out of bed,” he told FN this week.
But Hauss – who’s a long-time organizer of The Independent Retail Show – decided to put his energy into the shopping event.
In 2022, the shoe fair will move to a larger space in the San Diego Convention Center and expand its exhibitor list for semi-annual events.
At least 122 brands have already signed up for the San Diego edition of the IR Show, scheduled for February 1-3. The roster includes a wide range of comfort names including Birkenstock, Clarks, Aetrex, Rockport, Vionic and Dansko, as well as a range of men’s and outdoor labels such as Timberland, Florsheim, Keen and Chaco. For this and future shows, however, Hauss is working on attracting even more fashion and women’s labels as well as work brands.
He also develops a range of educational opportunities starting with a conversation between himself and David Kahan, CEO of Birkenstock Americas. “I’ll be interviewing David on stage on the first night of the show, but not just about his business. It’s about really getting to know the man himself, ”said Hauss.
Other events and amenities include a cocktail party and fundraiser for the Two Ten Footwear Foundation. The IR show also offers subsidized lunches for attendees.
Hauss said he hoped to turn the event into “the new WSA”.
“I remember going to the WSA [trade shows] They were just a lot of fun 20 years ago, ”he recalls. “When you left, you knew you were going to a big family reunion and everyone would be there.”
Retailers from at least 17 states have already signed up for the February event. As the show’s name suggests, most of them are independent retailers – including Comfort One, Saxon Shoes, Tradehome Shoes, Orva, and others – but Hauss wants to create a destination for big chains as well as mums and dads. “For this to be what I hope it will be all about,” he said.
The story goes on
The summer edition of the show is for April 2-4. August planned.
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