Shoe Carnival targets P.R. market for ’12 expansion

Indiana-based retailer Shoe Carnival announced Thursday its plans to break into the Puerto Rico market next year through the opening of four new stores.
The plans were disclosed during a conference call with investors to discuss third quarter earnings.
Shoe Carnival is a chain of 327 footwear stores located in the Midwest, South and Southeastern areas of the U.S. mainland. In addition to its retail stores, the company also operates an online store at http://www.shoecarnival.com, through which it offers a variety of men’s, women’s, children’s and athletic shoes, as well as accessories.
“The combination of a unique shopping environment in a large store format, value pricing, low cost structure and advanced information systems distinguishes Shoe Carnival from its competitors,” the retailer said on its website.
The four local stores are included in the retailer’s aggressive plan to open 25 new locations in 2012, said Chief Financial Officer Kerry Jackson.
Shoe Carnival’s future arrival will likely offset any store closings that competitor Payless Shoes may plan for Puerto Rico, according to its announcement in August.