Shoes have been selling increasingly well despite the recession, due to what analysts are calling “frugal fatigue.”

• While other retail sales have faltered, shoes are increasingly weathering the economic storm.
• According to analysts, shoes cost less than other items of clothing (even in a good economy), so more people can afford to spend on shoes regardless of their size or economic situation.
• Shoes are considered more of a necessity than handbags, beautiful dresses or nice suits. And shoes wear down and need to be replaced more quickly than most articles of clothing.

Facts & Figures

• Shoe sales were at $1.5 billion in October 2009, highest since October 2006.
• Sales increased 7.9% compared to one year ago.
• J.C Penney, Dillard’s, and other major retailers cite shoes as one of their best-selling product categories.

Best Quote

“Shoes democratize fashion. You probably can’t buy a Zac Posen dress if you wear a size 14, but you can buy a pair of Jimmy Choo shoes.” – Kathryn Finney, Writer for the Budget Fashionista blog