Sam Edelman

Sam Edelman is a women’s footwear and accessories brand known for fashion‑driven shoes that are wearable for everyday life. The line centers on contemporary styles that feel current without being inaccessible, with products sold through its own boutiques and website as well as major department stores and other retail partners in the United States and abroad. As of March 2024, the brand operates 13 full‑price U.S. stores, giving landlords a recognizable fashion name that still behaves like a selective, curated tenant rather than a mass rollout chain.

The company was founded in 2004 by Sam Edelman, a longtime shoe designer and entrepreneur who previously built the Sam & Libby label. He launched the brand around signature flats, sandals, and boots that offered distinct styling at mid‑market prices, which helped it gain quick traction with department stores and fashion‑focused shoppers. A major milestone came in 2010, when Caleres, Inc. acquired a majority interest and later full ownership. Being part of a large, publicly traded footwear company brought additional capital, operational support, and access to global wholesale relationships, which in turn expanded the brand’s presence in key retail centers.

Over the past five years, Sam Edelman has evolved from a primarily footwear label into a broader lifestyle offering. The brand has added handbags and select ready‑to‑wear, and it has leaned into digital and omnichannel capabilities, making it easier for shoppers to engage both online and in store. Rather than chasing fast unit growth, Caleres has positioned Sam Edelman as a growth fashion brand focused on building consumer loyalty, strengthening e‑commerce, and using physical retail as a showcase for the brand in places where fashion credibility and visibility matter most.

In today’s marketplace, Sam Edelman runs a small but impactful fleet of branded boutiques in major U.S. metros such as New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago, with additional exposure through shop‑in‑shops and wholesale partners in top regional malls, lifestyle centers, and select international fashion capitals. Stores typically present as intimate fashion boutiques, with a clean full‑price assortment that complements other contemporary brands. For landlords, brokers, and developers, the combination of a multibillion‑dollar parent company, strong department store relationships, and a disciplined, selective approach to new locations makes Sam Edelman a stable, style‑driven tenant suited to high‑traffic urban streets, top malls, and mixed‑use environments looking to strengthen their contemporary fashion mix.