ON THE HUNT: TWO STORE OWNERS GIVE FOOTWEAR NEWS A BEHIND-THE-SCENES LOOK AT HOW THEY SHOPPED THE MOST RECENT GDS AND MICAM SHOWS

11:20 a.m.: Thierry Rabotin principal Karl Schlect and [Ben Leaderman] mull "The Made in Italy" label and consumers' shift toward cheaper product. In the end, he tells me Thierry Rabotin's top-notch quality distinguishes it from most other footwear brands. "They are probably the best shoemakers in the world," Leaderman says.