5 Shoes & Retail Apparel Stocks to Watch as Cost Pressures Persist

Industry Overview - The Zacks Shoes and Retail Apparel industry is facing persistent pressures from higher input and freight costs, supply-chain inefficiencies, and elevated selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses related to digital and store investments, which are negatively impacting margins [1][5] - The industry is also affected by currency volatility, geopolitical uncertainty, and evolving trade and tariff policies, alongside a softer consumer backdrop and a tight labor market [1][5] Consumer Demand Trends - Demand for activewear, footwear, and wellness-focused products remains strong, driven by a broader shift towards healthier lifestyles [2][6] - Companies are leveraging this trend through product innovation, expanded athleisure assortments, and enhanced e-commerce and omnichannel capabilities [2][6] E-Commerce Investments - Digital channels are a major growth engine for the athleisure market, with brands expanding their reach through websites and social media [7] - Investments in faster delivery, supply-chain efficiency, and fulfillment enhancements are sharpening competitive edges, while physical stores are being reimagined to create a seamless omnichannel experience [7] Industry Performance - The Zacks Shoes and Retail Apparel industry has underperformed the broader Zacks Consumer Discretionary sector and the S&P 500 over the past year, with a collective decline of 18.9% [12] - The industry's current Zacks Industry Rank is 180, placing it in the bottom 25% of over 250 Zacks industries, indicating dull prospects for the near term [9][10] Valuation Metrics - The industry is currently trading at a forward 12-month price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 26.34X, compared to the S&P 500's 23.44X and the sector's 18.19X [13] - Over the last five years, the industry's P/E ratio has ranged from a high of 38.15X to a low of 20.83X, with a median of 27.10X [13] Key Companies - Steven Madden: Positioned for durable upside through a strategic shift towards higher-margin direct-to-consumer channels, with a focus on online and owned-store growth [17][18] - NIKE: Set to benefit from its Consumer Direct Acceleration strategy, focusing on sports and product innovation while reducing reliance on promotions [20][22] - Adidas: Poised for growth due to strong demand and improved margins from price increases and a better channel mix [24][25] - Wolverine: Focused on brand structure and efficiency improvements, with a strong emphasis on direct-to-consumer business [28][29] - Caleres: Improving investment case supported by strong brand momentum and cost discipline, with a focus on inventory management [32][33]