Meijer treads lightly with Skechers expansion

Six months after opening a Skechers concept shop, Meijer is taking the next step in what appears to be a more ambitious rollout of the branded shop to additional footwear departments.



The approximately 800-sq.-ft. Skechers concept shop feature 200 styles and was introduced at Meijer store in the company’s hometown of Grand Rapids, Michigan, earlier this year. Now the concept is being expanded to four additional stores in Midland, Michigan, Greenwood, Indiana, Marysville, Ohio and Grafton, Wisconsin. Meijer operates a total of 222 stores and said dozens more of the concept shops are on the horizon.



A key element of the Skechers branded shops are four video screens used to present product information, lifestyle news and celebrity endorsements of Skechers shoes.



“Skechers remains a very popular national shoe brand for our customers, who are looking for style and fit at an affordable price,” said Glen Reinart, divisional merchandise manager of shoes, jewelry and accessories for Meijer. “Their designs and technology are kept fresh and appeal to all ages. These concept shops are a perfect way for our customers to easily find the Skechers style and fit that matches their lifestyle.”



Skechers, based in Manhattan Beach, California, is a global brand found in more than 120 countries. The company also operates its own network of more than 1,000 stores.