John Schmidt

President, Chief Executive Officer & Director, CALERES INC

Search every verified John Schmidt interview, podcast appearance, and on-the-record quote — each transcript cross-checked by AI and human review to confirm speaker identity. At the 2016 FN Summit, John Schmidt discussed Caleres' focus on product and portfolio innovation, describing the company's transformation from Brown Shoe to Caleres as centered on three consumer segments: family, healthy living, and contemporary fashion. He noted the company's portfolio includes 14 brands positioned across high-end department stores and value channels, and he emphasized the importance of creating shoes with a compelling story and using social content and partnerships to engage consumers. Schmidt identified the men's business as a significant growth opportunity, citing its lack of crossover with other segments. He also discussed the company's use of 3D printing for rapid prototyping and bottom design, particularly in fashion-driven categories, and expressed caution about wearable technology, stating that data alone is insufficient without expertise to interpret it. He mentioned ongoing work on comfort and innovation across Caleres' comfort and sport brands, noting that uncomfortable shoes have no market.