U.S. women's shoe company Aerosoles Group is exploring several options including a debt restructuring or sale of the company, as it struggles to adapt to fast-changing consumer tastes, Reuters reported. Aerosoles, known for its affordable flats and wedges, has hired investment bank Piper Jaffray Companies and financial advisory consultant Berkeley Research Group to carry out the strategic review. The shoe company has about 80 stores in the United States and more than 300 around the world, including in China, India and Peru, and is also sold in stores including J.C. Penney Company Inc (JCP.N), Kohls Corp. and DSW Inc. Aerosoles has faced fierce competition from other shoe retailers. Once part of Kenneth Cole Productions Inc, Aerosoles has found it challenging to lure shoppers to its stores and website with unique products. The Edison, New Jersey-based company also faces the same headwinds as other brick-and-mortar retailers, as e-commerce companies such as Amazon.com Inc. become more popular with shoppers looking for the cheapest price.
