Page 111 - BWM March 2013

March 2013 | Business World Magazine | 111
in countless children’s products.
Proposition 65 gave rise to collab-
orations of citizen groups and/or
legal teams that filed suit against
a variety of manufacturers, in-
cluding those in the shoe indus-
try. Some law firms have essen-
tially made a living by filing suits
and settling them out of court.
Priest says some FDRA mem-
bers were among those targeted
in litigation, but in recent years,
with the FDRA’s communication
campaign and member compli-
ance, the number of such cases
has dramatically dwindled. He
also notes that for the most part,
the footwear industry has not run
afoul of regulatory recall issues to
the degree experienced with other
goods.
Another recent example of in-
dustry insight facilitated through
FDRA was the 2012 Footwear
Sourcing Forecast. A first of its kind study
conducted by FDRA, members were provid-
ed with findings from analysis of statistical
trends, import data and economic details in-
volving consumer demand and costs for raw
materials. Priest says understanding where
the industry is planning to source in the fu-
ture helps FDRA member companies and
the industry as a whole to take advantage of
changing trends and more securely plan for
the future.
As for the future, Priest says he is encour-
aged to see Members embracing new oppor-
tunities to increase their business. He antici-
pates increased integration of technology,
such as that seen in Nike’s development of
a special Mobile App which can be used in
conjunction with their running shoes. Priest
says social media, and Internet-based market
portals will also pose new opportunities for
manufactures to interface with consumers.
FDRA also provides members with 24/7
insight to issues, reports, event details and
news alerts through its presence online at
www.fdra.org
Priest’s prognosis of the present state
of the industry, as well as future potential,
is generally positive. He says, “There’s a lot
of excitement in our industry right now, so
overall, I’m pretty bullish for our success in
the future.”