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House of Shoes, How do we choose?

House of Shoes, How do we choose?

A house full of shoes? Yes, please!

We recently made our way to the House of Shoes buying conference in Portland, Oregon on the hunt for Spring & Summer styles for 2026! Most of yours and our favorite brands were there with new styles and prints – and let’s just say we think you’re going to love them!  

Thought Behind Every Pair

We know it sounds crazy to select sandals a year in advance, but it’s part of what makes the retail buying process so exciting. Every season, our buying team thoughtfully and carefully curates our selection based on trend research, customer feedback, past performance, and brand rep input. We’re lucky to work with some incredible brand reps who help guide us through each line. Their product knowledge and insight are invaluable—and they help ensure we’re bringing in the styles you’re most likely to spot online, in ads, or trending in your feed. We’re not just picking pretty shoes—we’re making intentional choices with you in mind. 

Balancing Comfort and Fun

Our customers come to us because they know they'll find stylish shoes that feel as good as they look. So when we’re buying, we’re always thinking about that balance. We want shoes that offer support and comfort—but also a little trendy fun. That’s why you’ll often see playful pops of metallic, animal prints, or a bold color in the mix. You deserve shoes that do it all.

Birkenstock Bonanza 

We kicked things off at the show full of caffeine and ready to meet with one of our most-loved brands—Birkenstock. Meeting with them is always a highlight. They offer a massive variety of styles and colors, but we can’t bring in everything (as much as we’d love to!). So we hand-pick a collection we think you’ll love.

Classics like the Boston Clog in Taupe Suede and the Arizona in Habana? No-brainers. We aim to have those staples available year-round. But we also like to mix things up with fresh, limited-edition colors and prints—those fun little surprises that make our displays and your outfits pop. Can’t wait for you to see them!

A Bit of Creative Chaos

While we prep in advance for Birkenstock, many of our other appointments are more spontaneous. Typically, when we meet with a brand we go in with open minds and creative energy. There’s something really satisfying about pulling together pieces on the fly—laying out styles, testing combinations, and watching the perfect mix come together. It may look a little messy at first, but that’s part of the magic. Every choice is made with thought, intention, and a lot of heart.

Why We Love It

Buying season is a whirlwind, but it’s one of the most rewarding parts of our job. There’s nothing like bringing the perfect pair in-store and watching someone fall in love with it. This is what we love about being your local comfort shoe store—curating a collection that supports your feet and fits your lifestyle, one thoughtful choice at a time.

 

 

 




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