Designer Brands Announces Partnership with Supermarket Chain Hy-Vee

Designer Brands, one of North America’s largest designers, producers and retailers of footwear and accessories, announced a partnership with Midwestern supermarket chain Hy-Vee.

Due to current public health concerns, the partnership will launch initially with an online experience, offering shoppers DSW’s digital experience via Hy-Vee.com. DWS and Hy-Vee are developing buy-online and pick-up in-store capabilities, and the deal will roll out several DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse shop-in-shops in Hy-Vee stores in the near future.

Prior to the rollout of shop-in-shop locations, the companies will launch a pilot of top-selling family footwear in a pallet format in more than 120 Hy-Vee stores.

The partnership allows Designer Brands the ability to deliver differentiated products and experiences, part of its long-term strategy for growth. It also infuses Designer Brands’ commercial business with renewed energy and possibility.

“We are excited to be growing in new categories and delivering DSW’s mission of inspiring self-expression to Hy-Vee customers,” said Designer Brands’ CEO Roger Rawlins. “Our commercial team has positioned itself as the plug-and-play solution to grow in the footwear category. We’re looking forward to working with our incredible partner, Hy-Vee, to offer an amazing assortment of quality footwear for the whole family at a great value.”

As an innovator in the grocery industry, Hy-Vee’s partnership with Designer Brands provides another way to bring quality and convenience to customers throughout its 8-state region.

“Quality footwear and accessories will always serve as a top need for the American consumer, which is why we’ve made these solutions available to our shoppers,” said Randy Edeker, Hy-Vee’s Chairman, CEO and President. “Hy-Vee’s goal is to provide its customers the very best in all lifestyle categories in a convenient and easy-to-shop format, and we’re proud to partner with a company that shares the same vision.”