Mark Lardie

Mark Lardie is the President and CEO of Rack Room Shoes, a position he has held since June 2012.1 With over two decades of experience in the footwear industry, Lardie has established himself as a prominent figure in retail leadership.

Career Highlights

Rack Room Shoes: Lardie has been at the helm of Rack Room Shoes for nearly 12 years.3 Under his leadership, the company has seen significant growth and expansion, including the construction of a new headquarters in Charlotte, North Carolina. The new facility doubled the size of their previous headquarters, providing space for over 600 associates and enhanced showrooms and meeting facilities.2

Previous Roles: Before joining Rack Room Shoes, Lardie held several high-level positions in the footwear industry:

• Division President Wholesale at Brown Shoe Company (January 2010 - July 2011)
• Senior VP General Merchandise Manager at Famous Footwear (January 2005 - January 2010)
• Senior Vice President General Merchandise Manager at Footstar (April 2000 - April 2004)1

Education

Lardie received his education from Washington University in St. Louis - Olin Business School.1

Leadership and Industry Insights

As a retail executive, Lardie has provided valuable insights into the footwear industry:

• He emphasizes the importance of integrating digital strategies with traditional marketing efforts to drive both online and in-store traffic.2
• Lardie recognizes the significance of tax-free weekends and back-to-school seasons for driving sales in the footwear retail business.2
• He values the role of industry organizations like the Footwear Distributors and Retailers of America (FDRA) in representing the footwear industry's interests in Washington and providing consistent standards for product safety and working conditions.2

Mark Lardie's leadership at Rack Room Shoes has been marked by strategic growth and adaptation to changing retail landscapes, solidifying his position as a key figure in the footwear industry.