Uncertainty around economic conditions is a concern that has weighed on consumer attitudes in the first months of 2025. Although experts and analysts contend that current economic conditions have barely changed, U.S. consumer sentiment in March declined to its lowest level since November 2022, according to the monthly University of Michigan consumer sentiment survey. The Federal Reserve cited this outlook as it decided not to alter a short-term interest rate last month.

“We are going to have to see how things actually work out,” proclaimed Fed chief Jerome Powell as the organization’s Open Market Committee dropped its 2025 Real GDP outlook to 1.7 percent from 2.1 percent last December and raised its core inflation projection for the year to 2.8 percent from 2.5 percent. For the footwear industry — retailers, vendors and consumers alike — the potential of elevated prices or further inflation throughout the year are certainly issues to watch.  

As we head into the spring and summer of 2025, retailers tell us that while they see some impact on consumer confidence, it’s not all doom and gloom.

Here, three independent shoe retailers answer our questions about current business trends, key issues they are facing, and what’s selling well at their stores. Here’s what they had to say.

How would you describe consumer spending/consumer confidence so far this year?

“We have seen a small decline in foot traffic but consumers coming in are still spending. We saw an increase in business the first week of March. Consumers seem to want to buy early to avoid any high cost that may come later this summer.” - Alicia Murray, Murray’s Shoes, Littleton, CO

“Consumer spending is off a bit. They are holding back, and I believe trying to make better decisions about purchases.” - Mike Jones, A Proper Fit, Reno, NV

“So far this year my sales are strong! Even with being closed very unexpectedly for nearly a week in January from our southern ‘Sneaux Days’ we still managed to be up over last year. Q1 is looking pretty positive! We’ve seen an uptick in multiple items per ticket which I believe represents positive consumer confidence.” - Brenda Felger, Felger’s Footwear, Houma, LA

Are there any new or continuing business issues impacting your business?

“I think the constant threat of tariffs and rising costs are our biggest challenges to the business. Trying to stay positive and focus on doing what we do best, customer service. I do believe the current situation is bringing awareness back to small business and the importance of supporting local business. We are also focused on generating excitement and partnering with a few of our vendors this spring to do events.” - Alicia Murray, Murray’s Shoes

“Returns are up. This was always an issue, but usually a small one. We’ve had to tighten our return policy. Shorter time. When a customer asks more than once what the return policy is, we may ask them if they would like to wait on the purchase until they are more certain of their needs. I believe this helps eliminate some of the conversations on returns of slightly worn or borrowed shoes. We have a great customer base, and most days are filled with helping people walk more.” - Mike Jones, A Proper Fit

“My biggest challenge is still staffing. People just don’t seem to want to work retail. With that said, I am excited to say that my oldest daughter will join her sister and I in the business; she is an educator, so part of her focus will be in training. In addition, my 18-year-old granddaughter is also working with us, concentrating on our social media accounts. Three generations strong!” - Brenda Felger, Felger’s Footwear

What has been selling well so far this year? How was your winter business?

“It’s always comfort, walking shoes and sandals. Some athletic, such as Xelero and New Balance, or more casual like Alegria, Dansko, and Aetrex — and we have more then 20 other brands to keep our customers happy.” - Mike Jones, A Proper Fit

“The hot commodities continue to be athletics — Hoka, Brooks and New Balance for me. I’d love to have On Running; however, I’ve been told they will only entertain the Run Specialty channel. We are hoping that stance might change soon… We have noted some later than expected deliveries from several vendors, but sandals which make up most of our current purchases, can sell year-round for us. For the spring/summer season we picked up Rieker and Remonte, which have already started taking off for us.” - Brenda Felger, Felger’s Footwear

“Athletic/walking styles continue to be an important part of our business. Hands free slip-on shoes like Kizik have also been doing well. Customers are ready for spring after a cold winter and are already coming in to look at new spring sandals. Taos, Dansko, Naot, and Aetrex have some great sandals that are proving to be good early sellers.” - Alicia Murray, Murray’s Shoes