The New York Times published an
article yesterday about how shoe sales are up in spite of the recession. Sales in September and October increased, respectively, 7.8 and 7.9 percent over the same periods last year, according to the Times. The shoe industry reached $1.5 billion last month, making it the most lucrative October for shoes since 2006.
So, why shoes?
The Times suggested a couple of reasons:
- They're practical. Shoppers have an easier time justifying a new pair of shoes than a fancy purse or handbag. The Times talked to one New Yorker who said she feels alright spending a lot of money on shoes, since they're like her car. And once you buy a new pair of shoes, you can wear them several times a week—if you tried doing that with a new dress you'd get some funny looks.
- They're outdoorsy. The recession has caused many Americans to turn to cheaper leisure activities, many of them outside. And those require shoes. According to The Times, Shoebuy.com says their sales of athletic and outdoor shoes have increased.
- They make people happy, especially women. Even if you're in the middle of a leggings/fat-pants week, your shoes can always look hot (for more information, watch In Her Shoes). The Times also pointed out that trying on shoes is a lot less exhausting than trying on clothes.
Are you surprised to see a rise in shoe sales? What have you been buying lately?
Comments (11)
Actually, I am surprised. I haven't bought anything except necessities, or very cheap thing from ebay and occasionally thrift stores/marshalls. I guess since I'm still in college, it hasn't affected me tremendously...but I can see that it has my parents, so I try not to buy anything.
Huh... I've bought a lot fewer shoes recently than say, 2 years ago.
When I saw this title, and then clicked the article, I have to say I was extremely disappointed it wasn't to do with liam kyle sullivan.
I hate shopping for shoes even more than I hate shopping for clothes, which I hate a lot. The only reason I've been buying more shoes recently is because I didn't have any nice ones for work, and my sneakers are so old that they have multiple holes and are generally unwearable. So, I have bought two new pairs in the past year... so extravagant :(
@taylorrrxx3@xanga- LOL same
@taylorrrxx3@xanga - @ShimmerBodyCream@xanga - haha, I mean it is Dollarish -- we have to keep it finance-y :P
I just bought some boots, justified by saying I need boots b/c its cold outside. Then my converse got holes in them... and now I need new sneakers but are too cheap to buy them b/c I now have the boots-- which I can't even wear with all my jeans.
omg, shoes
Essential shoes in Socal:
1. Flipflops - invest in Rainbows because they're high quality
2. Sneakers/Regular Shoes - in case you want to go play frisbee year-round
That's about it. Obviously you need flats and heels for work/parties but you don't NEED to have them.
Those are some cute shoes. And I don't even like pink.
I'm not surprised.