Kizik, a footwear brand known for its hands-free technology, is expanding its retail presence with a new store at the Mall of America. This marks a pivotal moment for the company as it aims to extend beyond its strong e-commerce platform. CEO monte Deere highlighted the success of their e-commerce business, which has enabled expansion into other channels, including wholesale partnerships with major retailers like Nordstrom, Shields, and Von Maur. With plans to open four more stores this year, Kizik’s retail expansion strategy is gaining momentum.
The company’s first store at Fashion Place Mall in Salt Lake City provided insights into customer interactions and preferences, enhancing the brand’s understanding of face-to-face customer engagement. Deere emphasized the unique advantages of in-store interactions, such as the ability to showcase the brand’s technology that allows customers to step into their shoes immediately. The Salt Lake City store revealed that existing Kizik fans actively engage with new customers, creating a sense of community and increasing in-store purchases, leading to more confident online purchases once customers know their size.
Following the success of its first store, Kizik launched a pop-up store in New York City’s SoHo district to coincide with the “Motion is Magic” campaign. The campaign focuses on the freedom of movement that Kizik shoes provide, resonating with both existing fans and new customers. The positive response to the pop-up led to an extension, highlighting the demand for Kizik’s innovative footwear in a competitive retail market. The new store at the Mall of America embodies the brand’s new “Motion is Magic” branding, designed to provide customers with a positive and empowering experience.
Kizik’s expansion plans include opening additional stores at prestigious locations such as King of Prussia Mall in Philadelphia, Newbury Street in Boston, and other major metros nationwide. Deere emphasized the company’s responsible and forward-looking approach to expansion, learning and growing with each new store opening. While the footwear category is competitive, Kizik’s thoughtful expansion strategy sets it apart from other brands in the market. The company continues to innovate with new product designs like London and Sydney, catering to a wider audience seeking hands-free footwear options.
As Kizik continues to open new stores, it aims to replicate the community-driven, customer-centric experience that has been successful in its existing locations. With a focus on providing a positive and empowering environment for customers, the company’s store at the Mall of America represents a significant step forward in its growth trajectory. Despite challenges in the retail industry, Kizik’s expansion strategy is positioned to bring its innovative hands-free footwear to a broader audience, setting the stage for continued success in the competitive footwear market.
