REUTERS/Shannon Stapleton
Skechers has surpassed Adidas to become the second-largest athletic footwear company in America.
Skechers has 5% of US market share, compared with 4.6% for Adidas, The Wall Street Journal reports
, citing NPD group.
Nike still has the largest share, with 62% of the market.
But thanks to some recent investments, Skechers is now one of the hottest
shoe companies in America.
Skechers is “is the latest beneficiary of the so-called athleisure trend in retail, with shoppers snapping up sport-styled clothes and shoes regardless of whether they plan to work out in them,” according to WSJ.
It’s also one of the most underrated companies, according to a recent report by Morgan Stanley.
“Skechers is a much better company than the Street appreciates,” analysts wrote in a recent note to clients.
The company achieved record sales of $2.4 billion in 2014. The share price has more than doubled in the past year.
While the company used to be known for making cheap knockoffs of designer shoes, it has recently started cultivating its own aesthetic.
“The Skechers brand has evolved from a knock-off brand, to more one with its own looks and styles,” Morgan Stanley’s analysts write.
Skechers also invested in upgrading its factories and distribution centers.
Finally, Skechers also improved its marketing strategy.
The brand hired singer Demi Lovato to promote a line for teens. In case you loved this article and you would like to receive much more information with regards to platform boots generously visit the web page.
It also started selling a shoe designed specifically for golf, endorsed by professional player Matt Kuchar.
Skechers has been making an effort to market to teens.
Skechers on Facebook
Athletic apparel and footwear is set to outperform the industry for the next five years.
The number of people participating fur boots in running events has grown an average of 9% every year since 2005, according to Morgan Stanley. Data also shows that millennials believe exercise is essential for health, while their parents only focused on diet.
“Increased activity leads to increased athletic apparel and footwear spending,” the analysts write. “We see athletic footwear and apparel as more than a fashion trend.”
While the popularity of yoga pants and sneakers is often cited as a fashion trend, Morgan Stanley platform boots analysts believe that shoppers are hooked on casual comfort.
The analysts believe that shoppers will continue to choose this kind of apparel.
