Shoes: The New Retail Anchor

What woman doesn’t love shoes?

While always regarded as an “anchor” department in traditional department stores and some shopping centers, no one really capitalized on it dramatically.

That was until Shelfridges London flagship store devoted about one-half a floor to women’s shoes with dramatic feature displays and a full range of brands.

Now, The Dubai Mall (±6,000,000 sq. ft.) has created a new twist on “shoes as an anchor.” Featured in small boutique shops are “branch-shops” of all the brands and designer names elsewhere in this mall. They are all clustered in the mall’s “Level Shoe District.”

This grouping is a mix of formal small spaces, open displays in the mall, and mini designer flagships. Whatever can be thought of the Level Shoe District, it is exceptional. However, drawbacks include some “shops” without staff, others without back-up stock immediately available, and confusion if it is a shop or a display. As well, it is not featured prominently on their website.

One thing that is clearly proven in retail—classification dominance of a particular category is a powerful shopper draw. With this lineup (below), The Mall of Dubai’s Level Shoe District is unique!

Bally Berluti Car Shoe
Chanel Christian Louboutin Diesel
Dior Dolce & Gabbana Fendi
Fred Perry Geox Giuseppe Zanotti
Gucci Harry’s of London Kate Spade
Lacoste Le Coq Sportif Louis Vuitton
Marc by Marc Jacobs Miu Miu Onitsuka Tiger
Paul Smith Pierre Corthay Prada
Private Collection Puma Ralph Lauren
Repetto Roger Vivier Saint Laurent Paris
Sergio Rossi Stuart Weitzman Tods
Tory Burch Valentino Vogue Café
Sole Lounge by Margaret Dabbs Concept Store by The Zoo The Cobbler

Level Shoe District Level Shoe District 10 Level Shoe District 9 Level Shoe District 8 Level Shoe District 7 Level Shoe District 6 Level Shoe District 5 Level Shoe District 4 Level Shoe District 3 Level Shoe District 2


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