A Recent New Experience While Shopping..

[SleekHeels]

That's one of the most positive and inspiring shopping experiences I've ever read. If there was an award for sales assistant with the coolest attitude, she should win it ! Thanks for posting Dude.

[chris100575]

One of the reasons I miss Faith is that of the three branches I used to visit all the sales staff were really good about me buying heels. My favourite experience was in the Carlisle branch, I'd had a look at a pair of knee-high boots and had moved over to the shoes when one of the assistants asked if I needed any help. I picked up a black leather court shoe and asked her if they had them in an 8. "I'll just check." she said, and consulted a hand-held gubbins before saying "Yes, we do. If you'd like to take a seat I'll bring them over for you to try on." I tried on the shoes which were a bit tight, she commented that I probably wouldn't be wearing them with socks, but if they didn't feel right when I tried them on at home I could return them. When I got to the checkout the assistant there mentioned that they also had the boots I'd been looking at in an 8 and asked if I'd like to try those on too. The boots fitted perfectly, and I had to have them!

 

Both assitants were friendly and helpful and didn't seem in the least bit fazed by the fact that I was buying heels for myself. The girl on the checkout mentioned that she loved the boots, and that she'd noticed me looking at them and thought I might like a pair. Their attitude that day lead to two sales, a happy customer, and a very good impression being made. Unfortunately this was only a few weeks before they closed down.

[fatfuzz]

All these amazing stories about you guys trying shoes out in-store and the positive outcome therein is making me want to go and do it!

[Steve63130]

Fatfuzz,

 

Go ahead and do so! Nothing bad will happen. I've had lots of positive experiences trying on women's shoes in stores ranging from Payelss (recently with Bluejay, where there were a bunch of jocks trying on athletic shoes in the same aisle - no bad looks) to DSW, Macy's, Nordstrom's, Naturalizer, Aerosoles, Fluevog and Hudson Bay Co. (with Ashley), and many others. The sales staff is interested in selling shoes to you. They are not going to laugh at you, make fun of you, or cause you to be uncomfortable in any way. Just the opposite. They'll do whatever they can to make the sale. It's their livelihood so it's serious business to them, and your gender is irrelevant. Go for it with confidence and you'll probably spend more than you intended!

 

Steve

[radiodave]

What Steve said, I've had good experiences in stores, and even had sales folks offer positive comments.  I once commented to a lady at Baker's (women's shoe store) that I bet they don't get many guys trying them on, and she said that they do get a few guys trying them on.  They want to make sales, so they will do what they can to make a sale.  Especially in places like Dillard's or Macy's, they will be very professional about it.

[Rockpup]

I wore a pair of exposed 4" thicker heels to a Neiman Marcus outlet a bit ago and a lady working the shoe department was fawning over my wearing heels so much I started to feel uncomfortable, hehe. Oh well, at least one other person like my look that day. I've mostly gotten confused looks when I am trying on models, but other then "can I help you?" I have very little interaction. I usually try to keep to myself so I do not bother any other customers, and if trying on wedges I might even take them over to the mens section. I've only recently started working with sales people when buying heels, and have started with wedge sneakers, but am hoping to get the courage up to try exposed heels as boot season is coming up.

[Steve63130]

I've been shoe shopping with quite a few guys over the past few years and it's far more fun to engage the sales help, especially the gals, than it is to slink off into a corner alone and pretend you're invisible. The subjects you can bring up are almost endless:

 

What are some of the new styles that you like?

What's selling particularly well these days?

Do you have many guys buying women's shoes here?

Are you good at figuring out which guys are buying for themselves and which are buying for someone else?

What styles do men like to buy?

I've heard good things about (a particular style). Have you tried it? How do you like it? Or what do you think of it for me?

What's on sale? How can I get a discount?

 

Use your imagination. Stick to business and don't get personal, except to compliment her on her shoes or pedi perhaps. Keep her in her comfort zone. Treat her well if she's helpful. Tell her boss or mention the good service in a product review. Make sure when you leave that you'll be remembered in a good way, so next time you show up, the red carpet will be rolled out for you. However, don't buy anything you don't want, or aren't sure will be to your liking. It's your money, so spend it wisely. On the other foot, don't pass up a good opportunity; once lost it may be lost forever.

 

Steve

[Curt]

I got a weird comment for a sa in rudsak(fashion store up in Canada). I tried on a pair of high heel boots. The woman sa said they look awesome, but the male sa that was helping me, said they look too feminine on me. Rude! I'm sure most people on this site knows how I like tpo look and dress. I was going to buy a womens sweater buy he didn't deserve to get any commission from me. I'm going to buy it at the burlington location. Aren't high heel boots supposed to look feminine?

[hhboots]

I have had a few experiences in the store. The one I was the most comfortable with was about 2 years ago... She said "lots of guys buy shoes, and lie about them being for their girlfriend. You are the first to admit to me they are for you, so I want to help you". I made some comment about guys in heels being strange. She looked at me and said, "No, I think this is too cool. And you are one of the more 'normal' guys I have seen in here. Dont feel weird!"

 

... I paid for them and thanked her for making me feel "not so weird". She told me "Weird is all the guys that come in here wanting porn DVDs. I wish more guys would come in here wanting shoes -- besides, I think it is a cool look"...

 

--Dude

 

That is too cool, thanks for sharing that experience Dude. 

[Jimnj3]

I've been shoe shopping with quite a few guys over the past few years and it's far more fun to engage the sales help, especially the gals, than it is to slink off into a corner alone and pretend you're invisible. The subjects you can bring up are almost endless:

 

What are some of the new styles that you like?

What's selling particularly well these days?

Do you have many guys buying women's shoes here?

Are you good at figuring out which guys are buying for themselves and which are buying for someone else?

What styles do men like to buy?

I've heard good things about (a particular style). Have you tried it? How do you like it? Or what do you think of it for me?

What's on sale? How can I get a discount?

 

Use your imagination. Stick to business and don't get personal, except to compliment her on her shoes or pedi perhaps. Keep her in her comfort zone. Treat her well if she's helpful. Tell her boss or mention the good service in a product review. Make sure when you leave that you'll be remembered in a good way, so next time you show up, the red carpet will be rolled out for you. However, don't buy anything you don't want, or aren't sure will be to your liking. It's your money, so spend it wisely. On the other foot, don't pass up a good opportunity; once lost it may be lost forever.

 

Steve

Have to agree with Steve!!  Much more fun trying on shoes/heels with help!  Getting a good conversation going is the way to go. My favorite sales associate at Payless goes out of her way to help me when I come in and always greets me with a big smile. Don't pass up that good opportunity!!