Inventory closeouts from 1998 are part of the problem.But undeniably, the teen male who bought multiple pairs of Over$100 hero sneakers is now spending more money on a high-tech TheNorth Face parka and less on his footwear. Resigned to a yearof closeouts and low margins in 1998, retailers are asking themselveswho has the best recipe for 1999.

It could be the same answer that emerged in 1993,the last time the brown shoe market seemed poised for a run. Nikehas a history of introducing exciting new product in these situationsjust and making everyone forget all about brown shoes. The "TunedAir" Alpha program, ... Log in to view full article.