Rob wanted to buy a new pair of Rockports. Macy's was having a one day sale and I noticed in their ad that Rockports were on sale. So I met him at the mall Saturday afternoon. I entered the store and found myself in the midst of the ladies shoe department. It was a madhouse..utter chaos! Women were everywhere, trying on shoes, scanning the massive sale rack while the kids ran wild. There were hundreds of styles to choose from; dress to casual, low heels, high heels, wedges, flats, flip flops, bling, no bling, every color of the rainbow including metallic. Sales people were running back and forth getting sizes. What men that were there were wandering around with a glazed look, probably wishing they were home watching ESPN or something. Across the aisle was the cosmetics department. There was a flurry of activity there! Rock music was blaring while make artists demonstrated the latest products on any female who was willing to sit in their chair. Next to that, the jewelry department, where more bling than you could imagine was waiting to be snapped up. It was crazy!
It was the day before Father's day..but they had to stop and buy themselves 'a little something' before taking care of dad...right?
I browsed around, taking it all in, resisting the urge to make a purchase. I had in the car a brand new pair of Yellow Box sandals to wear to dinner that night. Anyway, I had just bought a new brown top to go with them. Rob finally arrived and we proceeded upstairs to the men's department where the shoes were tucked away in the corner. It was virtually empty. We went straight to the Rockports. There were about six styles to choose from. A salesman casually asked if he could help. Rob picked up the black pair that was on sale and inquired about them. The guy measured his foot then went to retrieve his size..perfect fit, good price. He wanted them in brown but they only had black. He has a pair of black ones but they're really old..I suggested that he needed a new pair of black and could find brown later..done deal..he proceeded to check out.
Meanwhile, a couple around our age came in. The lady sat down and waited while the guy went straight to a style and inquired about them. The salesman brought the shoes out, the guy took them and got in line top pay. I casually mentioned to the lady that men's shoes are so uncomplicated. They go in, choose from several styles and colors; mainly black or brown, make their purchase and they're done. She told me that her husband wears the same style, same size, same brand (Rockports) so he doesn't even try them on..just replaces them as needed. This all took place in about 20 minutes! Our men each had a brand new pair of 'Pepaw shoes'...she and I had a good laugh and we all went on our way.
So that's why they put the women's shoes and accessories right in the front door. We are slaves to fashion and they know it! It's not about needing shoes. It's all about the thrill of the hunt...the right pair to go with the right outfit. Of course, then we need to finish the look with jewelry. Making a fashion statement is more important than comfort. Guys for the most part just want basic, comfortable, functional covers for their feet.
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