Long time lurker here. I was hoping this well traveled group could help me with some research that I'm doing. If you have familiarity with France, Germany, or the UK, I'm hoping you could take a few moments to get your opinon on a few questions.

How could an athletic shoe and apparel store be successful in that country?
Should it rely on style, function, or both?
Which style or sports focus would be most popular?
Have you noticed any trends in casual shoes and apparel in that country?

Thanks for any help that you can provide. In return, I'll try to start contributing more in the future!

np: Richard Bucker "Bloomed"

If the athletic shoes were well grounded, allowing one to escape la fuzz by climbing electified fences, then such a store could be successful in certain Parisian 'burbs.

Huh...well I lived in Germany for 5 years, but I don't know that I'd be able to answer your questions with regards to the US either!

How could an athletic shoe and apparel store be successful in that country?

Offer cost-conscious, but well-made/reliable products. If there was an Aldi Mart for shoes, I bet it would move volumes...

Should it rely on style, function, or both?

Both. I've found that Germans are very style-conscious, but definitely are big on finding the right function for a shoe. I mean, this is the land of the "zu Hause" shoe (aka Birkenstocks).

Which style or sports focus would be most popular?

I expect this would be determined by region - southerners have their hiking thing, football's popular throughout, etc.

Have you noticed any trends in casual shoes and apparel in that country?

That they're all sturdy/well-made and well cared for. Sneakers were decidedly less "in", unless it was a specific style with the dance crowd and the like. I remember getting shit for matching Nikes (or NBs?) with jeans one time...

Thanks, KPH. That's helpful.