“We believe there is a tremendous, un-tapped opportunity to expand into new and fill-in existing markets with a complementary, smaller store concept. This will provide consumers in local communities with a convenient shopping experience that builds upon Shoe Carnival’s strong track record of delivering moderately priced, branded footwear for the entire family,” stated Cliff Sifford, President and CEO, adding: “These new stores, combined with our Shoes 2 U initiative, which is our next step in creating an endless aisle experience, will give consumers in smaller markets greater accessibility to footwear than ever before with the ability to shop the full assortment of shoes available across all of our Shoe Carnival stores. We look forward to sharing more details about this exciting new venture in the coming months.”

The new, small-market store will be approximately 5 000 square feet, or half the size of a current Shoe Carnival store. The company’s real-estate team is currently working with landlords and expects to begin opening small-market stores in the next six to nine months and from there the Company expects consistent expansion over the next several years.

As of the 11th of June, Shoe Carnival operated 402 stores, offering a selection of casual and athletic footwear for men, women and children, in 34 states and Puerto Rico and offered online shopping at www.shoecarnival.com.