National Shoe Retailers Association

The National Shoe Retailers Association (NSRA) is a non-profit organization representing independent shoe store owners throughout the United States and Canada.

With a century of experience, the association continues to serve as the independent retailer’s resource and advocate, representing the independent shoe retailing community among manufacturers, suppliers and the broader footwear industry.

NSRA does everything with its members in mind. We offer our members the financial and educational resources they need to stay at the top of their game in the ever-changing world of small business.

Who our retail members are:

Today, the typical NSRA member owns two to four stores, employs seven full-time-equivalent employees per store and carries an inventory that tops $250,000+, with an average per-pair price of $135. Most members sell shoes for adults and children, as well as accessories and add-ons.

Our average member has been an NSRA member for 12 years, and relies on the discounted business services NSRA provides to keep the many costs of running a business as low as possible.

Many NSRA members have a website, which they use for both e-commerce and as a quick and easy information place for regular customers. As retailers, NSRA members stay competitive through high-quality and focused customer service: Store employees know their products and their customers, and take pride in measuring and fitting their customers properly. The typical NSRA member’s goal is to make sure the customer is pleased, not only with the purchased product, but also with the overall purchasing experience.

Together, independent retailers make up approximately 20% of U.S. footwear retail sales, conducting more than $7.4 billion worth of business in a $74 billion per year industry.

Who our vendor members are:

NSRA’s sponsors and vendor affiliates include footwear and accessory manufacturers, distributors and suppliers, as well as systems and services providers. These companies all recognize the tremendous business benefit it is when independents are selling their products. Their support of NSRA and its member stores demonstrates their commitment to independent footwear retailers.