While the ultimate impact of the government shutdown will remain largely unknown until its duration is determined, the effects are already being felt from the closing of national parks to a delay in passing the long-awaited PHIT Act to the obvious uncertainty of 420,000 federal workers working without paychecks and another 380,000 furloughed. And, if the shutdown lasts more than a few weeks, it’s also likely that tax refund checks will be delayed, depriving the sneaker market of a windfall that has diminished in recent years but remains an important stimulus for Spring selling.

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