Mark Lardie, President and CEO of Rack Room Shoes, to Receive A.A. Bloom Award at 2026 Gala

WALTHAM, MA (February 17, 2026) ― The Two Ten Footwear Foundation today announced that Mark Lardie, President and CEO of Rack Room Shoes, will be the 2026 recipient of the A.A. Bloom Memorial Award, which recognizes extraordinary service to advance the Foundation's mission of lifting lives in footwear.

“Mark Lardie has built a culture at Rack Room Shoes that is grounded in generosity, care, and a deep belief in giving back to the people who make our industry what it is,” said Shawn Osborne, President and CEO of the Two Ten Footwear Foundation. “For nearly three decades, Rack Room Shoes has been a steadfast supporter of Two Ten, contributing nearly $1 million and consistently championing core initiatives like our Women in the Footwear Industry (WIFI) community group. That commitment reflects Mark’s conviction that when we take care of one another, our entire industry is stronger. His leadership has fostered a culture of service that extends far beyond his organization and enables Two Ten to lift lives across the footwear community.”

President and CEO of Rack Room Shoes since 2012, Lardie has led the company with a people-first mindset, overseeing significant growth while remaining deeply committed to fostering a values-driven culture. His storied career in the footwear industry includes executive leadership roles at Caleres, Famous Footwear, Footstar’s Athletic Division, and The Athlete’s Foot, as well as hands-on experience managing stores and selling shoes on the sales floor. Lardie also serves on the boards of SNIPES USA and the Footwear Distributors and Retailers of America (FDRA).

The A.A. Bloom Award was created in honor of the late A.A. Bloom, one of the original founders of the Two Ten Footwear Foundation. The award recognizes an individual whose hard work, dedication, and initiative have furthered the mission of the Foundation. Through decades of personal and professional support, Mark Lardie has exemplified that spirit, leaving a legacy of generosity, care, and commitment to lifting lives in footwear.

“I am incredibly humbled and honored to receive the A.A. Bloom award from the Two Ten Footwear Foundation,” Lardie said. “It is, of course, a recognition for an individual contribution, however clearly this honor recognizes the efforts of our team at Rack Room Shoes. Our simple mission statement at Deichmann Group is ‘the company exists to serve people.’ I cannot think of a better way to serve the people of the footwear industry than to generously support Two Ten! I look forward to watching as Two Ten continues to evolve and modernize while still being a beacon of hope and support for all those in our community.”

Lardie will be receiving the 2026 A.A. Bloom Award at the Two Ten Annual Gala, which will be held at The Glasshouse in New York City on June 2, 2026. The Two Ten Annual Gala is a highlight of FFANY Market Week and all members of the footwear community are welcome. Contact development@twoten.org for information about tickets or sponsorship.

About Two Ten

The Two Ten Footwear Foundation is an independent nonprofit with a unique mission: lifting lives in footwear. Since its founding in the 1930s, Two Ten has offered hope, opportunity, and community to generations of footwear employees and their families. The Foundation provides emergency assistance in times of disaster or hardship, awards higher education scholarships, supports employee upskilling and professional development, and convenes industry councils and networking/affinity groups. Two Ten brings people working in footwear together to support each other, building a sense of community and strengthening the industry workforce. Visit twoten.org to learn more about Two Ten and its impact.

About Rack Room Shoes

Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., Rack Room Shoes is known as an innovator in the shoe industry for over 100 years. Rack Room Shoes operates more than 520 locations nationwide under the Rack Room Shoes and Off Broadway Shoe Warehouse brands. Both brands offer a great variety of on-trend styles for women, men and children in athletic, comfort and dress categories, while providing a delightful and trusted shopping experience for our valued customers. Through Rack Room Shoes Gives, our ongoing philanthropic program, we provide ways in which customers and employees can seek support for charitable organizations, instilling trust and inspiration in the communities we serve.