The word ‘spring’ conjures up images of freshness and renewal, and the contents of your closet are a large part of that. Chances are, you’ve spent more time at home in loungewear than you normally would, so use the warming temps as a nudge to hunt for new looks in apparel and footwear. West County Center is an ideal destination for shoppers looking to welcome spring in style, says marketing director Sean Phillips.
Julie Goulet, store manager at Johnston & Murphy, says new men’s shoes and apparel are arriving at the store in time for some spring retail therapy. The company, which has supplied dress shoes to every U.S. president since Millard Fillmore, introduced 11 new styles for men this spring. “They’re all unique and exceptional, including a hybrid golf shoe that you can wear from the street to the green,” Goulet says. “The shoes feature cool-touch technology that keeps your feet comfortable at all times. You can go from lunch to the course without changing them.”
Other exciting spring introductions are a new line of men’s golf apparel, a collection of casual clothing, and Activate, an ultra-light shoe lined with ventilated soles and temperature control technology. “Styles can be previewed at johnstonmurphy.com,” Goulet says. “Whether you are going to the office or heading out on the town, we have looks to match. Lately we have seen a huge trend toward ultra-comfortable casual shoes and clothes, but we know customers also need more formal looks from time to time.”
Goulet says a recent customer was so excited to start dressing up again that he came in to buy shoes for New Year’s Eve even though it is several months away. “He and his wife said they had spent so much time in lockdown that once they got their coronavirus vaccines, it was time to hit the mall for some new styles,” she notes. “People have been at home so much that they are eager to get back out there, enjoy themselves and dress the part.”
There’s additional excitement afoot at Vans and Tradehome Shoes, both of which are celebrating important anniversaries. Vans has been making athletic and casual footwear for 55 years, and Tradehome has sold dress and casual shoes for a century. Phillips says both companies’ longevity is an impressive achievement, and they are continuing to grow. In fact, Tradehome’s new West County store is its first St. Louis location, and its sixth in Missouri. The company was named for the concept of ‘trading at home,’ or encouraging consumers to shop in their local communities. The new store, located on Level 2 near Macy’s, features brands for the family including Birkenstock, Hey Dude, Sorel, Dansko and Brooks.
“It’s doubly exciting for us to welcome a store that is new to the mall and the St. Louis market, and we are always glad to celebrate important milestones with our retailers,” Phillips says. “We are looking forward to more announcements of this kind in the months ahead.”
Shoppers on the hunt for spring shoes will find a variety of looks at West County Center stores like Johnston & Murphy, Vans and Tradehome Shoes. Pictured on the cover: Johnston & Murphy assistant manager Nick McAllister, store manager Julie Goulet, sales associate David Brown. For more information, call 314.288.2020 or visit shopwestcountycenter.com.
Cover design by Julie Streiler
Cover photo by Colin Miller of Strauss Peyton Photography
Pictured at top: Julie Goulet, store manager at Johnston & Murphy
Photo: Colin Miller of Strauss Peyton Photography
