Shares in Skechers Inc., which drooped earlier this year, gained more than 8 percent Tuesday after an analyst upgraded the stock.

Wedbush Morgan’s Jeff Mintz upgraded the Manhattan Beach-based shoe and apparel retailer from a “Buy” to a “Strong Buy” citing strong demand for the company’s products during the initial back-to-school shopping season.

“We’re seeing them take retail floor space from competitors,” Mintz said. “They’re doing a good job of targeting their customers, and retailers are rewarding them for it.”

Shares in Sketchers closed up $2.20, or 8.1 percent, to $29.31 in trading on the Nasdaq Tuesday. However, shares are down more than 18 percent so far this year.