Located at 3 Times Square, the 2,700-sq.-ft. store was renovated by NYC-based design firm Ringo Studios to give the space a “clubhouse-like ambiance” and feature’s the brand’s full range of footwear and accessories.

According to Ringo Studio, the reimagined design is anchored by warm oak on the walls that is punctuated by peek-through openings, merchandising displays and seating nooks aimed at establishing “intimate shopping zones.”

Large display tables are featured every corner of the store, contrasting the warm wood tones with heavy black marble and travertine, the company said. Toward the back, an intimate lounge features a double-sided seating plinth resting heavily atop a “rug” of glossy white penny tiles with rough edges.

What’s more, linear lighting bars suspended from the 18-foot ceilings cut across the curving walls, introducing a layered visual texture that plays with expectations. Ten-foot-wide display niches along the store’s perimeter are coated in a baby blue, creating a bold backdrop for shoe silhouettes displayed on adjustable chrome shelves. Plus, crisp lemony accents intermingle with high-gloss buttery yellow, infusing the space with a playful whimsy reminiscent of the energy captured in the brand’s iconic “big head” ads from the early 2000s.

“This project marks an exciting milestone for Ringo Studio as our first major collaboration with an iconic fashion brand,” Madelynn Ringo, founder and creative director of Ringo Studio, said in a statement. “Steve Madden is synonymous with New York City’s energy and creativity, and we were challenged to reimagine the brand’s retail identity while honoring its rich history. Through our refined creative process, which prioritizes immersive storytelling, we crafted a sculptural environment that enhances the shopping experience, celebrates the bold spirit of the brand, and creates a space where people can gather, pause, and enjoy the pulse of the city.”

The news comes just days after Steve Madden snapped up Kurt Geiger for 289 million pounds in cash, or $360 million at current exchange.

In a joint letter, chief executive officer Eric Artz and president Mary Beth Laughton reaffirmed the outdoor specialty retailer’s diversity-focused mission.

“We were founded in 1938 on a core set of values, focused on expanding access to outdoor places for more people,” the letter read. “These values have been integral to who we are, how we do business and to our success over the years.”

It continued, “Living up to our purpose — to inspire and enable a life outside for everyone — requires us to stand firm in our commitment to building a co-op that is welcoming, affirming and inclusive for our employees, members and broader communities. Honoring and celebrating a diversity of experiences, perspectives and contributions makes this co-op stronger.”

Though the letter announced REI would not stray from its mission, the retailer did not reveal any new efforts or initiatives.

In recent years, REI has made several investments to ensure equity was at the forefront of everything it does. For instance, in July 2020 — just two months removed from the murder of George Floyd — the retailer revealed a list of commitments to work toward racial equity, both internally and consumer-facing.

From there, the retailer launched the REI Cooperative Action Fund in October 2021 to fund organizations promoting justice, equity and belonging in the outdoors, as well as Path Ahead Ventures, which was an investment of $30 million in 300 founders of color as they start and scale their businesses. (In April 2024, REI celebrated 16 emerging companies that completed its Embark program, a three-month curriculum that is part of Path Ahead Ventures that helps turn early-stage ideas into viable businesses.)

While it continues to be known for its inclusive-centric policies, REI has faced some pushback from employees, as a growing union effort has taken root across some of its key stores in recent years.

REI’s latest statement around inclusivity comes at a time when some retail behemoths have opted to move in the opposite direction. For instance, in November 2024, with pressure mounting, Walmart Inc. confirmed it would not extend its five-year, $100 million commitment to the Racial Equity Center, among several other policy rollbacks.

And in January 2025, Target Corp. announced it was concluding its Racial Equity Action and Change initiatives this year, as planned, and will stop all external diversity-focused surveys, including the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index.

About the Author

Peter Verry is the Senior News and Features Editor for Athletic and Outdoor at Footwear News. He oversees coverage of the two fast-paced and ultracompetitive markets, which includes conducting in-depth interviews with industry leaders and writing stories on sneakers and outdoor shoes. He is a lifelong sneaker addict (and shares his newest purchases via @peterverry on Instagram) and spends most of his free time on a trail. He holds an M.A. in journalism from Hofstra University and can be reached at peter.verry@footwearnews.com.

The 1,055-sq.-ft. space offers a fresh design concept that combines natural tones with minimalist lines and will feature exclusive styles for the Boca Raton location.

Key items include variations of her signature Catena sandals in fuchsia, sapphire, tangerine, and scarlet tones, along with metallic blue and metallic green colorways. Other exclusives include the Rovena sandal in aqua and nude, featuring spiral twisted leather braiding — a technique known as Scubido.

“We are excited to expand our presence in the United States with this new location in Boca Raton,” said founder and creative director Serena Uziyel. “Our collections are deeply inspired by the ancient civilizations of Mesopotamia, Persia, Babylon, and Turkey, and each piece is thoughtfully crafted with techniques passed down through generations. In collaboration with over 200 skilled female artisans, we bring these traditions to life with modern sophistication, infused with a touch of heritage and legacy, and we are thrilled to share this with our growing audience in the U.S.”

This mark the designer’s third U.S. store, with its flagship opening last year on Madison Avenue in New York. Serena Uziyel made its retail debut in the American market last May with its SoHo boutique in New York. She also has two locations in Turkey.

The brand is additionally available at retailers such as Saks Fifth Avenue, Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus, Level Shoe District, Ounass, Beymen and Net-a-porter, and more.

Serena Uziyel’s Boca Raton store is located at 6000 Glades Rd, Boca Raton Town Center, Miami, FL 33431.

Nineteen years ago, Derek Curry opened his first Sneaker Politics store in the Louisiana city. Now, with multiple locations both within the state and in Texas, the storeowner has decided to elevate the experience in the place where his business started.

“We wanted to give something back to the city that has done so much for me,” Curry told FN. “I have been planning this new location for the last three years and it’s so amazing to see it finally come to life.”

Sneaker Politics has opened a new Lafayette store, which is located at 4533 Johnston St. The store is located in The Forum, an 8.44-acre commercial mixed-use and multifamily development, which was also founded by Curry. (Sneaker Politics has now closed its previous Lafayette store.)

The new Sneaker Politics store spans two floors and consumes 3,300 square feet of real estate. In store, consumers can expect the curated selection of footwear that Sneaker Politics has become known for, as well as its inline apparel collections for men, women and kids.

The new store features concrete plaster and blackened metal throughout, and was created with “a monolithic design aesthetic” from the facade to the interior, which the retailer stated “creates a powerful sense of unity and seamlessness.” This consistent design language not only creates a sense of discovery for customers, according to the retailer, but it also the minimalist backdrop also allows for the merchandise “to take center stage.”

Also, the store’s acoustical cloud ceiling has two purposes. Not only does it manage sound reverberation during events and when music is played every day, Sneaker Politics stated with the integration of linear LED lighting, there is a “depth and visual interest” that is created, as well as a “visual guidance” that draws consumer eyes toward key areas or product categories.

The store opening was made possible by consistent sales growth over the years. In 2024, despite industry-wide economic headwinds, Curry confirmed Sneaker Politics saw a 6 percent year-over-year increase.

“The state of retail is in a strange place currently, but our team has been making changes to still have wins in this climate,” Curry said. “[2024 was] our slowest growing year, but in the economy we were operating in, I was extremely happy with that number.”

Although this is the newest Sneaker Politics door, expansion is in the works. Curry confirmed with FN that a Houston location will debut this summer, and he is hoping to break ground “in the next month” on its Dallas headquarters.

“It’s a very exciting year for the brand,” he said.

About the Author

Peter Verry is the Senior News and Features Editor for Athletic and Outdoor at Footwear News. He oversees coverage of the two fast-paced and ultracompetitive markets, which includes conducting in-depth interviews with industry leaders and writing stories on sneakers and outdoor shoes. He is a lifelong sneaker addict (and shares his newest purchases via @peterverry on Instagram) and spends most of his free time on a trail. He holds an M.A. in journalism from Hofstra University and can be reached at peter.verry@footwearnews.com.

According to Kate Cate founder Caterina Ravaglia, the company has secured an exclusive distribution deal with The Webster to be the label’s first American retail partner.

“The Webster has always been a benchmark for style and a carefully curated selection of independent brands,” Ravaglia told FN. “We hope this collaboration will introduce Kate Cate to their cool and loyal audience that values detail and craftsmanship, positioning us as a go-to name for distinctive footwear.”

The designer noted that the launch at The Webster will be built around the brand’s signature Kate 90mm sandals known for its bold rock-glam aesthetic. These coveted sandals, which retail for $730, will be available in a curated selection of exclusive colors, including shades created specifically for The Webster, Ravaglia added.

“The Kate sandal is undoubtedly one of our most iconic pieces—minimalist yet featuring artisanal details that make it instantly recognizable,” she said. “We have even developed custom machinery at our shoemaker laboratory in Florence specifically to perfect its production.”

Ravaglia added that the brand’s boot category, with intricate embroidery and hand-finished touches, are also a big performer for the brand.

This new retail partner joins Kate Cate’s roster of wholesalers including Printemps, Harvey Nichols and Bloomingdale’s Dubai, with more to come, the designer teased. “We’re launching key retail partnerships in the coming months, so we expect to grow our revenue by at least another 60 percent to 70 percent [in 2025], Ravaglia revealed.

The designer also mentioned that the company will be focused on building new collaborations with artists and independent designers this year, with the aim of an expansion that “prioritizes sustainable community growth rather than growth for its own sake.”

But in the meantime, the focus is on The Webster. “[Working with The Webster] was a natural choice,” Ravaglia added. “We share the same passion for research and excellence, and The Webster has always had a keen eye for brands that blend craftsmanship with modernity. We felt it was the perfect partner to bring Kate Cate into the U.S. market.”

According to the Italian footwear brand, the new pop-up at The Webster’s SoHo store in New York City provides an “immersive experience for visitors, fueling curiosity, discovery, and inspiration for The Webster’s lifestyle setting space.”

The brand also noted in a release that the new installation at The Webster “showcases a refined use of materials that highlight its dichotomous universe.” With pink hues serving as a visual signature of both brands, they contrast against sleek metallics to create a striking visual impact. The design emphasizes clean, modern lines, referencing the key pillars of Paris Texas’ design ethos –refined elegance and chic sophistication, achieved with premium materials, the footwear company noted.

Running now through Feb. 18, the pop-up is located in The Webster’s shoe salon and showcases a curated selection of Paris Texas’ most sought-after styles, ranging from sophisticated stilettos to signature Western boots.

The retail launch followed an exclusive cocktail event to kick off NYFW at buzzy downtown lounge Socialista on Wednesday.

Founded by creative director Annamaria Brivio in 2015, Paris Texas had a major pop culture moment last year when Beyonce wore a pair of the company’s best-selling cowboy boots on her “Cowboy Carter” albumb cover.

The “Texas Hold ‘Em” singer, who has been channeling cowboy core since announcing her new country album, wore Paris Texas‘ Paloma Mid-Calf boot in a bright shade of white.

In an exclusive interview with FN at the time, Brivio elaborated on the brand’s relationship with Western style and the cowboy boots trend currently taking over the fashion industry.

“Paris Texas is the perfect fusion between two worlds and this duality is expressed in the brand’s name itself, where Parisian chic sensuality meets the fearless audacity of Texan cowboys,” Brivio said. “Our approach to the Western styles is based on merging contradictory concepts, just as the name suggests.”

One month later, Paris Texas partnered with longtime friend of the house Lee Cohen on a compact footwear range that included cowboy boots and a seductive mule.

This all comes after that Brazilian conglomerate Arezzo & Co. — which groups brands such as Arezzo, Schutz and Alexandre Birman — invested 25 million euros to take over 65 percent of the company in 2023.

On Feb. 8, at Via Montenapoleone 18, the Spanish designer and architect will unveil her vision for the Marche, Italy-based company’s new retail concept that will be applied to all new stores going forward, including the new 667 Madison Avenue space in New York, which will open by the end of February.

The way consumers interact with local culture and institutions was the driving force behind Urquiola’s vision for both stores, and the Santoni retail spaces going forward.

The Via Montenapoleone boutique, which spans approximately 1,615 square feet, is characterized by a large hallway with terrazzo flooring, typical of the Milanese tradition. In the second room, an elegant carpet welcomes the visitor, while a bronze metal grid represents continuity with Urquiola’s previous concept for Santoni, where the interior architecture was expressed through harmonious geometries — such as the tangram theme, which continues to be found in various details, patterns and workmanship.

Urquiola said her team played with contrasts, forging a dialogue between warmth and structure, softness and precision. The palette was dominated by orange, terracotta and soft pink, while precious materials like onyx and travertine convey a sense of nonchalant opulence.

“Materials are not just surfaces; they carry history, texture, and weight. Italian marbles—onyx, travertine—add depth and interact with light and shadow. And then there’s the seminato [flooring made of fragments of marble, granite, other natural stones or glass] flooring, a tribute to Milan’s architectural tradition, grounding the boutique in its location,” she said.

The Milan location kicks off a new shopping experience, which will include a laboratory area, dedicated to live demonstrations, while the bespoke area invites customers to personalize their footwear and also offers exclusive maintenance, polishing and resoling services. “These additions make the boutique more than just a store, it’s a place where people can connect with Santoni’s craftsmanship,” Urquiola reflected.

In New York, the store replaces the old 551 Madison Avenue location, spans 3,767 square feet and occupies two floors, incorporates these new experiential elements and like the Milan store, it has also been inspired by the architecture and history that surrounds it.  

For example, the sunburst stainless steel pattern, radiatior cap gargoyles and other elements of Art Deco-era Chrysler building inspired the geometric patterns and three-dimensional boiserie walls throughout the store. Like the Milan store, the New York location also begins with the tangram theme, which comes to life in various details within the new boutique. 

The first fashion space Urquiola designed was for Missoni in Milan in 2012. She went on to design stores for the fashion brand in New York, Dubai, China, Seoul, Madrid and Paris. In 2012, she designed her first boutique for Santoni, also in Milan and went on to architect its Paris and New York City spaces.

Giuseppe Santoni, the son of the house’s founder and its executive chairman, said the two met through mutual friends and they immediately discovered a “shared alignment, particularly in her passion for colors.”

Urquiola echoed this sentiment, while reflecting on this professional relationships that has developed over time. “Over the years, our collaboration has evolved naturally—we start every project by exchanging thoughts and inspirations. This boutique is another chapter in that dialogue, where we continue exploring new ways to express Santoni’s heritage,” she said.

Last year, she even remodeled Santoni’s 4,320-square-foot family home in Milan, which occupies the entire first floor of an elegant building located behind the Botanical Garden of Milan. Completed last year, Urquiola revisited the monumental quality of the Milanese bourgeois home from the 1920s through the bold use of marble, proposing a new idea of abstract modernity.

“Patricia approached our Milanese home as an extension of the design narrative she has created for Santoni’s boutiques. My wife Alessia and I wanted it to be warm and inviting, not only a private residence but also a space where clients and friends could meet and share. Patricia not only understood this desire and shared our vision, but most importantly, she knew how to bring it to life,” he said.

Nordstrom is riding the boat shoe trend with the latest edition of its Make Room for Shoes program.

According to the department store chain, it has teamed up with Sperry for the month-long event that gives Nordstrom customers access to a limited-edition capsule collection of footwear designed specifically for the retailer.

Nordstrom said that the exclusive Sperry collection includes unique styles for men, women and kids and will be available at all its stores and on Nordstrom.com. Prices range from $54.99 to $175, and all exclusive styles are presented in premium slide-open shoe boxes and come with co-branded dustbags, adding an elevated touch to the collection.

Some highlights from the collection include the classic Authentic Original boat shoe done in brown, white, and pink, each adorned with intricate beadwork, as well as the same style made in blue-and-white nautical stripes and accented by playful crabs, martinis and additional fun details.

“Sperry is an iconic brand that truly resonates with our customers, and we’re thrilled to partner with them for our ‘Make Room for Shoes’ campaign, launching this February,” Tacey Powers, executive vice president and general merchandise manager for shoes at Nordstrom, told FN. “This collaboration highlights Sperry’s timeless craftsmanship and this season’s must have: the boat shoe. We’re excited for our customers to discover exclusive and versatile styles for the whole family just in time for spring.”

Jonathan Frankel, president of Sperry, added that Nordstrom “remains a valued friend and strategic partner” to the boat shoe brand.

“This year, we are both celebrating significant milestones—marking decades of delivering timeless style and innovation to our customers,” Frankel said. “We appreciate the strategic impact of the ‘Make Room for Shoes’ program, which brings footwear back to the forefront of retail. It presents a perfect opportunity for Sperry to showcase our exciting new spring collection to Nordstrom’s customers and offer exclusive editions of our iconic boat shoes, designed specifically for Nordstrom.”

First announced in February, the Make Room for Shoes initiative comes to life through monthly partnerships with some of the industry’s top footwear brands. So far, the retailer has highlighted brands such as On, Birkenstock, Sam Edelman, Larroudé, Dolce Vita, Ugg and Vionic.

Nordstrom’s “Make Room for Shoes” campaign featuring Sperry runs now through March 2.

Shop Exclusive Sperry Styles at Nordstrom

Sperry Authentic Original 2-Eye Boat Shoe (Women)

$110 Buy Now at nordstrom

Sperry Authentic Original 2-Eye Lugged Boat Shoe (Men)

$135 Buy Now at nordstrom

Sperry Billfish 3-Eye Boat Shoe (Men)

$175 Buy Now at nordstrom

The specialty run retailer has opened a new store in Concord, N.C., located at 2420 Herron’s Nest Place NW in Christenbury Village. The store is owned and operated by Mark and Kristin Harris, who also own nearby Fleet Feet Huntersville, which they opened in January 2010.

Fleet Feet explained in a statement that Concord provides a convenient option for locals, as well as those in neighboring cities Kannapolis and Harrisburg. Also, the location allows Fleet Feet to attract visitors in part to the store’s close proximity to Concord Mills Mall, the Highland Creek Community and the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

“Concord is a growing, vibrant community, and we’re thrilled to welcome Kristin and Mark’s second store to the Fleet Feet family,” Fleet Feet vice president of retail development John Moloznik said in a statement. “Their passion for creating meaningful connections, delivering outstanding customer experiences, and supporting their community embodies everything that Fleet Feet stands for.”

Inside, consumers could expect a selection of running shoes from leading brands, including Brooks, Saucony, New Balance, On and more. Also, the retailer stated Fleet Feet Concord will operate with its exclusive Fit ID personalized outfitting experience, which Fleet Feet explained includes 3D foot scanning technology that accurately assess “the size and shape of customers’ feet and how each foot moves through the gait cycle.”

Fleet Feet Concord will host a grand opening celebration on March 15.

The run specialty retail powerhouse has been busy with expansion as of late. For instance, Fleet Feet acquired South Sound Running’s two doors in Washington in December 2024. And in January 2025, Fleet Feet Burlington opened in North Carolina.

Speaking with FN last month, Fleet Feet chief executive officer Joey Pointer said after expanding to 299 stores in 2024, the plan is to open at least 15 in 2025.

“What I’ve learned is post-COVID is nothing ever goes as fast anymore, from permits to build-outs. Everything just seems to be a snail’s pace at some moment in time. But I don’t think 15 is unrealistic,” Pointer told FN. “Interest is high, both in new franchisees as well as existing franchisees opening, second, third, fourth locations. We’re looking at a handful of acquisitions, which we haven’t had many over the past couple years. You’ll see some movement from us. I wouldn’t be surprised if we hit 20.”

About the Author

Peter Verry is the Senior News and Features Editor for Athletic and Outdoor at Footwear News. He oversees coverage of the two fast-paced and ultracompetitive markets, which includes conducting in-depth interviews with industry leaders and writing stories on sneakers and outdoor shoes. He is a lifelong sneaker addict (and shares his newest purchases via @peterverry on Instagram) and spends most of his free time on a trail. He holds an M.A. in journalism from Hofstra University and can be reached at peter.verry@footwearnews.com.

Inside the Bay Plaza Shopping Center in the Bronx is the sneaker retail giant’s first standalone Kids Foot Locker Reimagined store, which is now open. The company stated this new store features elements of its Herald Square store on 34th Street in NYC, which was updated and reopened in August 2024 as part of the retailer’s store refresh program.

Foot Locker confirmed the store is 60 percent larger than the average Kids Foot Locker, with a selling floor that consumes more than 3,300 square feet of retail space. It is merchandised by brand, size and age group, according to the company, “to simplify the path for discovery” and “provide a seamless shopping experience for sneakers and apparel.”

Inside, the store features the retailer’s “Kick it Club,” which Foot Locker described as a communal try-on area with fixtures that are “brought down in height and scale” so they are proportional for the shoppers, as well as a “Drop Zone” that features new and upcoming sneaker releases. There is also a space that Foot Locker called the “Omni-Hub,” which is both dedicated to assisting in the order process and allows for sneaker customization with laces, no-tie laces and other accessories.

A basketball wall with signature sneakers from brands including Nike, Jordan Brand, Adidas and more is featured in the store, as well as an active lifestyle wall with shoes from On, Hoka, Saucony and other leading running brands. And there is an “interactive custom shoe scan” in store, which can be utilized with help from an employee — referred to as Stripers at Foot Locker — so kids can get a shoe with the correct fit.

The store — which is located at 200 Baychester Ave. — is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. ET to 9 p.m. ET, and Sunday from 11 a.m. ET to 7 p.m. ET.

When it comes to its brick-and-mortar presence, Foot Locker has been busy as of late. For instance, with NBA All-Star 2025 approaching, the retailer revealed details of its multibrand activation late last month. Foot Locker will host a two-story experience at 150 Powell St. in the city’s Union Square neighborhood during NBA All-Star Weekend, from Feb. 13-16.

About the Author

Peter Verry is the Senior News and Features Editor for Athletic and Outdoor at Footwear News. He oversees coverage of the two fast-paced and ultracompetitive markets, which includes conducting in-depth interviews with industry leaders and writing stories on sneakers and outdoor shoes. He is a lifelong sneaker addict (and shares his newest purchases via @peterverry on Instagram) and spends most of his free time on a trail. He holds an M.A. in journalism from Hofstra University and can be reached at peter.verry@footwearnews.com.