ClickZ Sneakers & Trainers - 12.05.2024

PLUS: Adidas revamps Stan Smith with Lux exclusivity for Urban Research

ClickZ Sneakers & Trainers is the essential newsletter for e-commerce footwear professionals. With the holiday season approaching fast, we’re here to help your campaigns run smoothly and your sales soar!

Top Shelf 🛒

With BFCM wrapped up, marketers are shifting gears to plan for 2025. To help you start strong, here are three essential tips to set your brand up for growth:

1️⃣ Get the Right Measurement in Place: You can’t plan for next year without accurate measurement. Yet, many brands stick with the devil they know—Last Click— despite its fundamental flaws.

With BFCM in the bag, now’s the perfect time to adopt effective full-funnel measurement. Plus, Fospha delivers YoY metrics from the start, so you can dive into budget planning ASAP.

2️⃣ Consider Adjusting Your Channel Mix: What worked last year might not work now. Successful brands adapt by altering their channel mix and ad spend as they scale. We find that as brands mature, they have to focus on expanding their upper funnel spend to create more demand to capture.

3️⃣ Reflect on Peak Performance: Before diving into next year, take time to assess your BFCM performance. Benchmarking data is your compass and gives you data-backed edge for 2025 planning.

For free BFCM 2024 benchmarking data, sign up for priority access to our BFCM 2024 Report here.

Sector Spotlight 🎥

JD Sports' $548.1 million acquisition of Groupe Courir is a strategic e-commerce play, boosting their market reach by integrating more fashion-conscious and diverse demographics. For e-commerce professionals, this highlights the power of strategic acquisitions in expanding customer segments and enhancing competitive positioning within the retail fashion space.

NFL coach Andy Reid aligns with Skechers, spotlighting their Hands Free Slip-ins in a strategic print campaign. For e-commerce marketers, this collaboration exemplifies effective storytelling, leveraging Reid’s sports authority to reinforce Skechers' brand narrative. Consider how such partnerships can elevate online brand presence and drive consumer engagement in your sector.

RTFKT, acquired by Nike in 2021, is winding down. It will end web3 operations by January 2025 but plans a final release, the MNLTH X Blade Drop. This move aligns with Nike's shifting priorities towards physical innovation and strengthening wholesale relationships under new leadership, reflecting changing digital asset interests.

Hot Drops 🔥

Adidas upgrades its classic Stan Smith with the Lux version, sold exclusively at Urban Research. Its premium design, using natural white leather and iconic Three Stripes, invites e-commerce marketers to rethink product exclusivity and luxury branding.

Anticipate Don Toliver's strategic BAPE sneaker collaboration, unveiling a pink-and-purple Road Sta this December. E-commerce marketers, leverage this dynamic launch to explore partnerships and consumer engagement.

Puma's new Inverse sneaker highlights the fusion of AI and human creativity in design. With archival nods and modern technology like ProFoam cushioning, Puma redefines sneaker style.

Influencer Corner 📣

Optimization Hub ⚙️

Extended Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales challenge e-commerce marketers, requiring strategic creativity in promotions to maintain profitability, especially for smaller brands. Early sales from major retailers like Amazon emphasize the importance of proactive planning to stay competitive.

Strategically allocate 7-12% of revenue for eCommerce marketing; startups might invest 15-20% for initial growth. Focus on customer acquisition while prioritizing high-return channels and tracking ROI. Assess customer lifetime value for sustainable tactics. Challenge your eCommerce methods by embracing adaptability and regular evaluations to maximize long-term market gains.

BNPL is reshaping holiday marketing strategies by integrating 0% financing with promotions, appealing to budget-savvy shoppers. This strategic approach not only differentiates brands but also offers a creative edge in managing consumer spending. Embrace these insights to enhance your strategic planning in the competitive e-commerce landscape, aligning with evolving consumer expectations.

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ClickZ is a Contentive publication in the DTC Ecommerce division