This week, the Mar-Lou Shoes team traveled to Arizona for the National Shoe Retailers Association (NSRA) Conference. It was an exciting gathering of footwear professionals, innovators, and changemakers. Among the many highlights of the conference, one experience stood out above the rest: the opportunity to participate in “NSRA Gives Back” with Soles4Souls.

Soles4Souls is a nonprofit organization that turns unwanted shoes and clothing into opportunity. It creates sustainable jobs and provides much-needed relief around the world. Through this partnership, NSRA and Soles4Souls unite the retail community in a mission that is bigger than business.

A proud and rewarding tradition, “NSRA Gives Back” brings together attendees for a powerful community outreach event. Volunteers from across the footwear industry work side by side to fit hundreds of children with brand-new shoes and socks. Each child walks away with comfort, dignity, and a smile. We were honored to be a part of this incredible effort.

For our team, the experience was humbling and deeply meaningful. Helping local children try on shoes and seeing their joy firsthand reminded us why we do what we do. It's not just about retail or fashion. It's about creating real impact, one step at a time.

At Mar-Lou Shoes, giving back is at the heart of our mission. We are grateful to NSRA and Soles4Souls for organizing such a moving event and for giving us the chance to connect with the community in such a tangible and heartfelt way. We look forward to continuing our support of initiatives that uplift others and change lives, one pair of shoes at a time.