USRA FOOTNOTES - AUGUST NEWSLETTER

USRA FOOTNOTES

August 2015

MEMBERSHIP IN THE USRA SAVES YOU MONEY!

USRA provides members with cost saving benefits to run businesses in a cost efficient manner. Check out USRA discounts on Shipping, Insurance, Bankcards, POS System, Travel and more. To learn more about the USRA Programs, visit the USRA website:

IN THIS ISSUE

Men's Fashion Forecast

Women's Fashion Forecast

United Sales Reps

USRA Insurance Program

4 Tips to Prepare for Back-to-School Shoppers

by Stacy Ries

Like most parents I know, I avoided back-to-school shopping as long as possible. School supplies and fall clothes were the last things on my mind during camp sessions and family vacations. As August sped by, I had no choice but to face the shopping lists. I felt like the family in "Cheaper by the Dozen,"... more

Making The Grade: 4 Ways Retailers Can Cash In on Back-To School

Bryan Perason

Contributor

Recent projections of 2015 back-to-school spending may require retailers learn some new math - the kind wherein one plus one equals numerous marketing outcomes and teens themselves factor into the equation .. more.....

BANKCARD UPDATE

Why choose Bank of America Merchant Services?

Bank of America Merchant Services has teamed up with USRA to offer a debit and credit card processing program that expands your customers' payment options and simplifies your business operations. If you're not currently processing with Bank of America Merchant Services, we encourage you to check out our specially negotiated program created for USRA.

Here's what's included:

· Exclusively negotiated rates on credit and debit card processing services

· As soon as next-business-day access to funds¹

· Supports these card types:

· Online access to critical reporting information

· 100% U.S.-based customer service and 24/7 technical help desk support

· Proven front-end system uptime of approximately 99.999% for ultimate reliability, even during the busiest times of the year

· Simple, straightforward implementation and training

· Reprogram your existing, compatible credit card terminals or upgrade to our new state-of-the art equipment with high-speed connectivity, POS systems and Mobile devices

· Additional services now available include Check Guarantee services and Gift Card Marketing programs!

For more info: CLICK HERE

After deposit of transactions. Must have a Bank of America Business Checking account. Exceptions may apply. Only valid on Visa®, MasterCard® and Discover® transactions.

© 2012 Banc of America Merchant Services, LLC. All rights reserved. All trademarks, service marks and trade names referenced in this material are the property of and licensed by their respective owners. Merchant Services are provided by Bank of America, N.A. and its representative Banc of America Merchant Services, LLC. Banc of America Merchant Services, LLC is not a bank, does not offer bank deposits, and itsservices are not guaranteed or insured by the FDIC or any other governmental agency.212

HAVE YOU REGISTERED FOR FN PLATFORM?

AUGUST 17-19,2015

FN PLATFORM is the statement of fashion in footwear. FN PLATFORM is where global leaders in footwear convene to shape the industry, network and shop for shoes. Built by the industry, for the industry, this international showcase is the pillar of branded footwear.

FN PLATFORM is the global showcase for branded footwear, showcasing over 1600 men's, women's, juniors' and children's footwear brands from more than 20 countries. From luxury to lifestyle, footwear is curated at FN PLATFORM with buyers in mind. Offering 6 merchandised lifestyle environments, FN PLATFORM provides buyers with a convenient and efficient way to shop the most comprehensive selection of international footwear.

Click here to register

8 Street Style Trends from the Mens SS16 Fashion Weeks

With fashion week attendees now meticulously planning their fashion month wardrobes as standard, street style pictures of menswear's major players offer plenty of food for thought.

Here, we run down the key themes that developed off the runways this season. MORE....

Womens Accessories Trend Forecast SS16, The Commune

The Commune trend story for women's accessories S/S 2016 addresses a deeper appreciation of world cultures through artisan crafts. The Commune woman composes various ethnic references in a sophisticated manner that ultimately speaks to luxury. This trend preview is one of a series included in the latest Accessories Trend Stories Series.

More....

MONEY SAVING BENEFITS FOR SALES REPS

REMEMBER: USR offers Discount Programs specifically designed for Sales Reps!

IT ONLY MAKES SENSE having the USRA and Sales Reps join forces to make an even better Footwear Industry. RETAILERS + REPS.....The way it should be!!

In addition to outstanding discounted rates,USRA also offers the BEST networking opportunities for its Members. For more information or to join the USR CLICK HERE

USRA INSURANCE PROGRAMS

Hello USRA Members,

Since 1994, I have enjoyed a wonderful business relationship and friendship with many of our USRA Members. In the past 19 years I have written for our USRA Members there, Workers Comp; Business Owners Package; Business Auto; Employee Practice Liability; Business Umbrella; Group Health; Homeowners; Personal Auto; Personal Umbrella.

I am excited that the same coverage mentioned above are available for those wonderful Shoe Reps selling our Retail Members.

Please know that I am an E MAIL or phone call away, should you have any questions regarding your current insurance program or you would like me to give you a competitive quote. Please do not hesitate to review the insurance section on the USRA Website to get my questionnaires and other information.

For all you Insurance Needs Contact: Barry Gunches:

The Liberty Company Insurance Brokers

21820 Burbank Blvd. Suite 330, Woodland Hills, CA 91367

T 818.914.3969 | F 866.835.6983 | C 818.438.1700

libertycompany.com | bgunches@libertycompany.com

For more info about the USRA Insurance Programs: CLICK HERE

ABOUT THE USRA

The USRA is an organization dedicated to members nationwide. USRA provides members with imperative cost saving services, incomparable educational opportunities and superior networking events. The USRA is proud to partner with the best in the Industry -- By partnering with the best, USRA can offer the best to its members. USRA industry partners include: FN PLATFORM, Two Ten, Footwear Plus Magazine, NPD and more. USRA Benefit Partners include: UPS, Bank of America, Constant Contact, Teamwork and more.

In 1994, the USRA created a unique networking event to bring the Industry together, The May Event has grown into the BEST Networking Event in the Industry. The purpose of the Event is to not only offer incredible Educational Speakers & ideas, but to also bring Retailers and Vendors together, to better the shoe industry as a whole. The USRA May Event is a place to brainstorm, share ideas, problem solve and offer support & guidance to one another. It is a place where all walls are dropped and we become one industry all working together for a common cause -- keeping the Independent Shoe Retailer alive and growing.

For more information, visit the USRA SITE