Over 200 American footwear companies came together and sent a compelling letter to President Trump on Wednesday asking that he cancel his proposed higher taxes on American shoe customers set to take effect on Sunday. The letter was signed by both small and independent shoe stores and larger footwear brands and retailers.
“We’ve been telling the White House since the beginning that tariffs will be paid by Americans in the form of higher prices, and that due to our already high import taxes, this will be a job killer. American footwear companies both large and small have signed this letter urging the President to put an end to his planned taxes on American consumers. It is vitally important that the President knows his new taxes are going to hurt both their employees and families who buy shoes,” said FDRA President and CEO Matt Priest. “Brands have already said tariffs will dent job growth and shoe stores are saying it’s a job killer. We hope the President listens to Americans across the country who are the very people growing our local economies and stops this unnecessary trade war.”
The letter was also signed by a number of small and independent retailers in the United States working hard every day to serve the needs of American shoe shoppers.
“We look our customers in the eyes every day when we fit them for shoes and work to keep prices affordable, and that is why I am speaking out. As a shoe store owner for the last 37 years serving the middle class, I am concerned that these tax increases will mean higher prices on hardworking American families when they buy shoes, no doubt about it. I want to make sure when we ring up their purchases and they see the higher prices, I can look them in the eye and tell them I spoke up on their behalf. That’s why I signed this letter.” said Alan Miklofsky, founder of Alan’s Shoes in Tucson, AZ. “I hope the President listens to the small guys because we cannot afford it and I know my customers cannot either.”
The full letter can be found here.
