Passionate. Authentic. Knowledgeable. Transparent. ‍Building blocks of community. These are just a few of the words used by footwear brands when asked about the traits of their best retail partners. Being strong partners in business is no easy feat (for retailers or brands). Companies all face their own unique challenges and have a myriad of strategies for success.

From wrestling and volleyball to track and lacrosse, dealers are benefitting from year-round participation. While football in the fall, basketball in the winter and baseball and softball in the spring are the mainstays for team dealers, they realize that the keys to their financial success are now based on their ability to cater to every sport being played in their area and not just the big boys.

Just a couple of weeks ago, I was telling a friend at hot yoga how much I liked her new pants. They were from a brand known for its comfortable fabrics; and for silhouettes that straddle the line between lifestyle apparel and performance activewear.

Skechers VP of Product Development and Merchandising, Greg Smith, is the brand’s pulse when it comes to pickleball. He’s seeing people try it – and stick with it. “Pickleball is a super social game that anyone can play whether you’re new to the sport or a seasoned pro, and that’s likely why it’s gained so much popularity,” he explained.