APPLE PODCAST | SPOTIFY | YOUTUBE
Sarah Zurell, Chief Marketing Officer at Chinese Laundry, steps into the spotlight today to explain how footwear can transform not just your outfit, but your entire outlook. From understanding customer preferences through surveys and emails to showcasing shoes alongside outfits, Sarah shares her expertise in making the shopping experience seamless for your customers. She reveals why seeing shoes on feet is crucial for sales and how smart merchandising can enhance customer satisfaction.

From Soles to Sales: The Business of Shoes with Chinese Laundry
From Tech to Fashion: Sarah’s Unique Career Path
Sarah’s career path is as unconventional as it is inspiring. Starting with tech startups and a fashion app called Strut, Sarah’s expertise in algorithms and taste profiling set the stage for her pivot into the fashion industry. Her journey highlights the intersection of technology and fashion, showcasing how innovation can shape even the most traditional sectors.
Entering the World of Footwear: Sarah’s Role at Sells Brands
Joining Sells Brands marked Sarah’s official entry into footwear, where she now oversees brands with rich histories like Chinese Laundry. Each brand under Sells Brands—Chinese Laundry, Dirty Laundry, and CL by Laundry—offers distinct styles catering to different demographics and preferences, from elegant dress shoes to funky, youthful designs.
Challenges and Opportunities in Footwear Retail
For retailers considering adding footwear to their offerings, Sarah offers practical advice. Start small, understand your customer base through surveys or email lists, and test the waters with a curated selection. She emphasizes the flexibility in ordering and advises leveraging online platforms for live sales and customer engagement.
Strategies for Success: Merchandising and Customer Engagement
Merchandising plays a crucial role in driving shoe sales, both in-store and online. Sarah suggests positioning shoes strategically near dressing rooms or integrating them into outfit displays to encourage impulse purchases. For online stores, incorporating shoes into flat lays and live sales can enhance customer interaction and boost sales.
Trends in Footwear: What’s Hot for Fall?
Looking ahead, Sarah predicts several trends for the upcoming fall season. From slouchy paper bag boots to square toes and embellished flats, she highlights the importance of staying ahead of trends and offering unique, eye-catching designs that resonate with customers.
Keys to Retail Success: Early Adoption and Differentiation
Sarah’s insights into successful retailers underscore the importance of early adoption of trends and differentiation. By curating a distinctive collection that stands out in the market, retailers can appeal to customers seeking something fresh and unique.
In This Episode
Let’s Connect #AskAshley
- Have a question or guest recommendation? Let us know your feedback directly here!
- Do you love the Boutique Chat Podcast?! Subscribe to our podcast and after that, leave us a review on iTunes Apple Podcasts here!
Must Have Resources
- The Boutique Hub: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | TikTok | YouTube
- Boutique Summit 2024
- Small Business Marketing Handbook
- Small Business Hiring Handbook
- Brand Owner Basics Masterclass
- Tradeshow Marketing Handbook
- 2024 Trade Show Calendar
- Boutique Hub Black
- Hubventory.com
Recent Posts:
- What to Wear: The Boutique Summit 2025Can you believe we’re only a couple months away from the Boutique Summit?! If you’re anything like us, you’re already making lists of what you’ll need to bring, including what to wear.
- 7 Common Live Selling Fears (and How to Overcome Them Like a Pro)The following content is a sponsored blog post by CommentSold. Live selling is one of the most powerful ways to connect with your audience, build community, and drive real-time revenue. But if you’ve ever felt a pang of panic at the thought of going live… you’re not alone. Whether it’s the fear of being on… Read more: 7 Common Live Selling Fears (and How to Overcome Them Like a Pro)
- How Much Inventory Do You Need to Start a Boutique?Starting a boutique is an exciting venture, but one of the biggest questions new boutique owners face is: how much inventory do I need? The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all, as it depends on your business model, budget, and customer demand. However, having a strategic approach to inventory planning can set you up for success from day one.