*Collaborative post
Slippers might seem like a small part of a boutique owner’s overall store inventory, but they’re growing in popularity and price-point, and therefore profitability.
The key to running any successful business is to continually optimize all areas, so here’s everything you need to know to up your slipper game.
What Types of Slippers Are There To Choose From?
Slippers are a much broader category of footwear than you might first think. They span a vast amount of styles, designs, pricepoints, and even occasions for use. Anything from simple fabric slip-on slippers suitable for a spa setting to heavy duty clog slippers with a thick rubber sole made for clomping around outdoors fall under the label of “slippers”.
The main styles are: mules, clogs, slides, ballet flats, moccasins, booties, and sock slippers.
Some of these styles are currently more popular than others, but regardless of popularity there’s an interested demographic for every style. Well-established suppliers such as Dear Lover tend to keep several types of style on hand which conveniently makes wholesale shopping for slippers a one-stop purchase.
An overarching theme for all kinds of slippers is that they’re generally made with cozy, warm, and soft materials. This can include fleece, shearling, cotton, suede, felt, or a number of synthetic materials.
One of the main factors that differentiates the various types of slippers is their level of support. Slippers can range from a single-material slip-on ballet flat style to a more substantial shoe with thick insoles and sturdy outer soles designed for outdoor wear.
What’s Trending
A few of the main trends that are hot in the world of slippers right now are outdoor slippers, clog styles, fur or faux-fur additions, sustainable materials, and thick memory foam insoles.
Shoppers care about comfort more than ever before (which means they love cozy materials like shearing, fur, and memory foam), but they also want to look stylish and have multi-functional use for their slippers. This adds to the perceived value of the footwear, and therefore means customers are willing to invest more into each pair.
With casual low-effort fashion taking over both runways and street style, clog-style slippers have become a hot footwear choice for everything from coffee runs to everyday errands.
Last but not least, minimal styles in neutral colors are the most sought-after styles for a majority of shoppers. Most customers want slippers that are versatile to style, timeless, and well-made rather than being flashy or overly unique.
Tailoring Inventory Purchases To Your Boutique
Regardless of trends, it’s always essential for boutique owners to keep their own clientele in mind when making wholesale slipper purchasing decisions. What’s popular with one demographic may not be with another.
Generally speaking, older adults are more likely to gravitate towards quality craftsmanship and comfort over anything else, whereas mid-age shoppers such as millennials may be interested in easily wearable trends. Gen z and younger generations are the most likely demographic to be interested in novelty slippers with fun patterns, designs, or features. They’re also the most price-sensitive buyers.
Time of year is another important factor to consider when stocking up on wholesale slippers. Novelty or pop-culture reference slippers are a great gift, and therefore sell best during the holiday shopping season. High-quality warm slippers also sell well before the holidays, as well as after during boxing day sales. Lightweight indoor slippers are less season-sensitive and can be stocked any time of year.
With all that being said, a well-rounded supply is the best approach for most boutiques to ensure every customer has something that fits their needs.