The footwear industry finally seems to have stabilized in the US after nearly 10 weeks of cycling one of the most intense periods of discounting in years. Undoing last year’s sins when aggressive pricing drove clearance activity, we’ve recently had +10-20% selling price gains offset by commensurate unit sales decline.

We’re finally back at zero barrier – at almost the exact point when back-to-school sales start to pick up. Translation? We’re back to a point where these numbers gain increased relevancy on many fronts. My team and I will be watching them like a hawk.

Given the conservative fall buying I’m seeing out of many of the footwear retailers, I like how things are shaping up. I’m, still liking FL.