In mid-March (which feels like a decade ago), our world turned upside down. But, we were not alone.

The COVID-19 pandemic forced workers and their companies to re-evaluate a lot of things. How they work, when they work, the best ways to be productive, and just generally how to keep ourselves together. We’re fortunate to not have much experience in dealing with global pandemics, but we’re also fortunate to be equipped with the means and technology to make quick adjustments and keep pushing forward.

As orders of social distancing remain in place, businesses have found themselves figuring out how to stay engaged with customers from at least a six-foot distance (and a lot farther, in many cases). 

It’s no different for the exhibitors at one of our favorite events, the Spring High Point Market in North Carolina, which was scheduled to take place April 25–29, but inevitably had to be canceled. While obviously not ideal, canceling the Market gives brands the opportunity to try out new ways of connecting with clients and customers. 

Shoes are so much more than shoes.

Legacy footwear brands—those that have been around for the past 25+ years—have perhaps the best understanding of that.