Chicago-based shoe brand Marc Nolan is expanding into women’s footwear for the first time.
According to Marc Nolan founder and chief executive officer Sebastian Malczewski, the debut women’s line features 22 styles in sizes 5 to 11 that are updated takes on the brand’s bestselling men’s loafers and dress shoes. The debut styles are equipped with thick yet lightweight soles and cushioned foam insoles. Retail prices range from $135 to $170.
“Women have been shopping with us for years now, so this launch allows us to tap into that market more,” Malczewski told FN in an interview. “After about two years of development, it was finally the right time.”
The CEO added that he feels it’s the right time because of the growth and operational work he’s put into the business since he launched the label in 2018. “We have built our foundation, solidified our position in men’s, have a large fulfillment center, a storefront and a large enough team in place to handle this expansion,” Malczewski said.
This brand extension comes nearly a year after the company remodeled its flagship store in Chicago’s West Loop neighborhood. As part of the store refresh, Marc Nolan tapped Diana Tsiklauri of Situ Design Company to co-design the space. Malczewski told FN at the time that customers can now expect to enter “a more relaxed vibe and overall shopping experience.”
“We are very fortunate in being able to evolve the experience at our flagship retail location alongside the growth of the greater brand,” Malczewski said in August. “I wanted the space to feel more refined and approachable, a space you’d actually want to hang out in — an elegant, lounge-like atmosphere that was befitting to our range of loyal customers.”
The refresh seems to be working. According to Malczewski, sales are up nearly 10 percent since the remodel. “We have been getting great feedback about the remodel, especially from our customers that shopped the previous version of the store,” the CEO said. “Our old design felt a bit cold, but our new space has an ambiance that makes you want to stay and chill.”
As for when Marc Nolan might open more stores, Malczewski said that he is looking at opening a three-to-six-month pop-up in New York this fall. “Our next store was either going to be in Texas or New York City this year, because those are my two biggest markets for e-commerce,” he said. “But New York seems like a better choice for us at the moment. So, we are looking to open our pop-up in the city either in September or October this year.”
But for now, Marc Nolan is focused on its new venture into women’s shoes with an in-store shopping event at its Chicago flagship location at 169 N. Sangamon St. on March 29.
