Shoe Store Tips
Things to Know Before Shoe Shopping
By Desiree Stimpert, About.com Guide
http://shoes.about.com/od/shoes_store/a/shoe_store_tips.htm
While your local Target or Wal-Mart may be fine for general purpose shoes, when you're shopping for specific shoes it pays to go shopping at the right kind of shoe stores.
In addition to shoe stores having more space devoted exclusively to shoes, the selection of widths, brands, designers and sizes is far more varied than at most general or department stores.
Another advantage to shopping for shoes at actual shoe stores is the assistance you'll likely receive. While it's not always true, many shoe stores will have helpful and knowledgeable sales assistance to help with your questions about sizing and materials.
If you need a specialty shoe, such as a cowboy boot, you might have better luck skipping the shoe stores altogether and opting instead to visit a store specializing in western wear. Again, you'll most likely deal with people who specialize in the type of product you're looking for - and when is the last time you've seen a pair of ski boots at K-Mart?
Skateboarding shoes can be found at skate shops, bridal shoes at bridal shops, and so on. In short, think about the shoes you want, then find a store that is most likely to have them instead of just settling for what is available at a general store.
Shoes are an important purchase, as your feet depend on you to get the right fit and style. Remember to be particular when you're shopping for shoes, and allow yourself the time to shop for them properly.
Additional Tips for Shoes Shopping
* Schedule shopping for shoes for a day when you have plenty of time. This will allow you to try on several pairs, and even hit several stores if necessary.
* Research local specialty and shoe stores before heading out. There are stores out there you may not even know about. Use the web or yellow pages to find addresses of shoe and specialty stores.
* If you know the brand of shoe you want, or if you need a very specific shoe, you can call ahead and see if the store carries what you need, so you don't waste a drive.
* Wear the kinds of socks or hose you'll most likely wear with the shoes in the future, and be sure to take along any bulky inserts or orthotics that you'll need to wear with the shoes.
MY THOUGHTS
i am someone who does not need any shoe shopping tips. i can do that with my eyes closed. but these are very good tips. i guess it pays to know what you want (better yet, need). the worst shopping mistake you can ever make is when you just shop. no reason in particular. you end up with an extra pair (or 2). and there's no where to put them. haay!
Showing posts with label bargain shopping. Show all posts
Showing posts with label bargain shopping. Show all posts
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Beautiful Shoes with high heels can cause injury
High heels results in injuries
2010-11-07 00:00:00
London, Nov 6 (IANS) Women who wear high heels are more prone to injuries, a study has found.
Thousands of women have hurt themselves because of their shoes. Many had gone to such extreme lengths to wear stylish shoes that they were taken to hospital after twisting an ankle or tearing a tendon, reports express.co.uk.
Some have fallen flat on their face because of their heels, with many damaging their teeth or breaking a wrist.
A poll of 3,000 women, aged 18-65, found that they also suffered broken ankles and twisted knees due to high heels.
But six in 10 said they would continue to wear killer heels if they were complimented on their footwear during a night out. More than a third said they have had to be helped home because of poorly fitting shoes.
Lisa McCarten, of comfort shoe specialist Hotter Shoes, said: 'Women buy shoes that look good, and worry about the pain later.'
MY THOUGHTS
i've stopped wearing those beautiful shoes with heels for health reasons. i very rarely use them. i don't want to worry about the pain later. i remember all those times i was unable enjoy an event because my feet were killing me. enough is enough.
2010-11-07 00:00:00
London, Nov 6 (IANS) Women who wear high heels are more prone to injuries, a study has found.
Thousands of women have hurt themselves because of their shoes. Many had gone to such extreme lengths to wear stylish shoes that they were taken to hospital after twisting an ankle or tearing a tendon, reports express.co.uk.
Some have fallen flat on their face because of their heels, with many damaging their teeth or breaking a wrist.
A poll of 3,000 women, aged 18-65, found that they also suffered broken ankles and twisted knees due to high heels.
But six in 10 said they would continue to wear killer heels if they were complimented on their footwear during a night out. More than a third said they have had to be helped home because of poorly fitting shoes.
Lisa McCarten, of comfort shoe specialist Hotter Shoes, said: 'Women buy shoes that look good, and worry about the pain later.'
MY THOUGHTS
i've stopped wearing those beautiful shoes with heels for health reasons. i very rarely use them. i don't want to worry about the pain later. i remember all those times i was unable enjoy an event because my feet were killing me. enough is enough.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Health Tip for Shopping for Beautiful Shoes
Health Tip: Shopping for Shoes
Suggestions to help prevent foot problems
(HealthDay News) -- Wearing shoes that don't fit can contribute to a long list of foot problems.
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons suggests how to choose the right footwear and keep your feet happy:
Always measure both feet each time you go shoe shopping.
Try on shoes late in the day, when the feet tend to be a bit larger.
Women should opt for heels that are no higher than 2 1/4 inches.
Make sure the shoes fit properly in the heels and the toes, with 1/2 inch of space between the shoe and your longest toe.
Try on both shoes to be sure that they fit comfortably on both feet. Opt for the size that is most comfortable on your largest foot.
Walk around the store with both shoes on to make sure the fit is comfortable. Don't count on "breaking them in."
-- Diana Kohnle
MY THOUGHTS
i agree with all of the above tips. and i follow them. except for the "1/2 space between the shoe and my longest toe". result: dead toe nails. better learn the lesson fast.
Suggestions to help prevent foot problems
(HealthDay News) -- Wearing shoes that don't fit can contribute to a long list of foot problems.
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons suggests how to choose the right footwear and keep your feet happy:
Always measure both feet each time you go shoe shopping.
Try on shoes late in the day, when the feet tend to be a bit larger.
Women should opt for heels that are no higher than 2 1/4 inches.
Make sure the shoes fit properly in the heels and the toes, with 1/2 inch of space between the shoe and your longest toe.
Try on both shoes to be sure that they fit comfortably on both feet. Opt for the size that is most comfortable on your largest foot.
Walk around the store with both shoes on to make sure the fit is comfortable. Don't count on "breaking them in."
-- Diana Kohnle
MY THOUGHTS
i agree with all of the above tips. and i follow them. except for the "1/2 space between the shoe and my longest toe". result: dead toe nails. better learn the lesson fast.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Beautiful Shoes for Large Feet
How to Buy Fabulous Shoes for Large Feet
Gerri Miller ON Oct 4, 2005 at 1:27AM
Like Tuscan villas and Hugh Jackman, beautiful shoes were things I'd salivated over in magazines and admired from afar but could never have. Finding cute pumps to match an outfit? Forget it. With size 11AA feet, I had to make do with a severely limited selection of boring, if not downright ugly, shoes in black or brown -- when I could find anything at all. But I'm happy to report that those days of footwear deprivation are over. With a great variety of manufacturers, stores and Websites catering to extended sizes worn by increasing numbers of bigger, taller women, today's size 10+ shoe fanatic can be fashionable from head to toe.
Eleven and 12 are not oddball sizes anymore," says Bob Lewis, whose Prevata line of Italian-made leather shoes is sold in those sizes at Nordstrom's and independent retailers. "I think it's a huge market, and in my own retail stores we take advantage of that tremendously," concurs Donald J. Pliner, who offers sizes 11 and 12 in his four eponymous outlets.
Stuart Weitzman, whose exquisite shoes adorn the soles of Hollywood's red carpet regulars, has earned the love and loyalty of women with hard-to-fit feet by offering a wide range of sizes in his 15 U.S. stores. "We do 3 1/2 to 12, AAAA to W, says Weitzman, who'll add outposts in San Francisco, Atlantic City and San Antonio this fall. Weitzman does a booming extended-size business via his Website and twice-yearly trunk shows in May and November, when customers can pre-order any style in their size. "It's custom made, and we don't charge any extra for it," notes Weitzman. Actress Kate Winslet, who wears a size 11M, wore Weitzman's T-strap Nighty to the Academy Awards.
Élevé by Forgotten Soles, the new custom line from DesignerShoes.com, goes a step further. "We have a virtual trunk show where women have the chance to see styles before they're actually made. We work with customers who have shopped with us before, so we can show them shoes and they can tell us what style and color they like," says company president Barbara Thornton, whose Boston store and Website cater exclusively to hard-to-find sizes. "We start at 10 1/2 medium and 9 on the narrow side and 8 on the wide side and go up to 15. We don't even carry a shoe unless it goes to size 12," notes Thornton, who can fit both the tall teenager who wants flats and the confident career woman who likes heels. "It's all about choice."
Nordstrom, with its 95 department stores nationwide and thousands of shoe styles available on its Website, maintains a commitment to extended sizes that reflects its beginnings 100 years ago as a Seattle shoe store catering to large-footed Swedes. "We try to carry sizes four to fourteen, and widths AAA to WW," says spokesperson Pamela Perret. You can get on the mailing list to be notified of special oversize shoe events and benefit from the huge national inventory. If your store is out of your size, chances are it can be ordered and shipped to you.
For fall, Perret promises a continuation of the bohemian and embellished trends, now in boots, "and what we're calling Baroque -- very decorated, rich fabrics like velvet and brocades. Skirts are huge for fall and whatever style skirt you have, we'll have lots of options."
So much choice can be overwhelming, but it's a dilemma that's way overdue. So clear some closet space and start shopping!
Stuart Weitzman
Where to buy: Stuart Weitzman stores, Nordstrom, Stanley Korshak, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, StuartWeitzman.com
Plus sizes: 10 1/2 to 12, AAAA to W
What's hot now: Scrunched-down boots, booties, metallic leathers in shades of brass, pewter and anthracite, cowboy-influenced styles, moccasins in both low and high heels. "The platform and wedge are very strong for fall," says Weitzman.
Donald J. Pliner
Where to buy: Pliner stores in Beverly Hills, Miami, Las Vegas and San Jose and at Nordstrom stores, or DonaldPliner.com
Plus sizes: 11 and 12 M, some N
What's hot now: Mid-heels and flats in cassis and olive green, hair calf, camel and white mocha print and "a newspaper print with a fuchsia underlay."
Prevata
Where to buy: Harry's Shoes, Nordstrom
Plus sizes: 11 and 12 M
What's hot now: Wedges and bootie-type shoes in stretch materials combined with leather in black, camel and gray and metallics like pewter, bronze and old gold.
Stores that stock plus-size shoes
Nordstrom
Where to buy: 95 stores nationwide, Nordstrom.com
Plus sizes: 10 1/2 to 14, AAA to WW
Brands: Stuart Weitzman, Anne Klein, VanEli, Linea Paolo, J. Renee, Charles David, Franco Sarto, Donald J. Pliner, Kate Spade, A. Marinelli, J. Renee, Ralph Lauren, Kenneth Cole, BCBG and exclusive house brands Classiques Entier and Brass Plum
Marmi
Where to buy: 30 stores nationwide (see Website for locations), MarmiShoes.com or Catalog available at 1-800-966-2764
Plus sizes: 10 1/2 to 13, AAAA to W
Brands: VanEli, Rangoni, Sesto Meucci, Eric Javits
Elleven Up
Where to buy: 12 West 57th Street, NYC, 212-757-2154 EllevenUp.com or 866-ELLEVEN (toll free)
Plus sizes: 10 1/2 to 13 N to W
Brands: Anne Klein, Donald J. Pliner, VanEli, Claudia Ciuti Join mailing list for sale and new style info.
Friedman's Shoes
Where to buy: 209 Mitchell Street, Atlanta, Georgia, LargeFeet.com, catalog available 800-540-6513
Plus sizes: 10 1/2 to 13, AA to WW
Brands: VanEli, J. Renee, Cianni, Paul Melian
DesignerShoes.com
Where to buy: DesignerShoes.com
Plus sizes: 10 1/2 to 15, AAAA to WW
Brands: Via Spiga, Stuart Weitzman, Anne Klein, Pancaldi, Claudia Ciuti, Donald J. Pliner, Steve Madden, custom Élevé line (also see ForgottenSoles.com for list of stores carrying them)
Statuesque
Where to buy: Catalog available, 800-367-7167
Plus sizes: 10 1/2 to 13, AA to WW
Brands: Franco Sarto, Jazz, VanEli, Pelle Moda, Moda Spana, Rangoni
Unique Feet
Where to buy: UniqueFeet.com
Plus sizes:10 1/2 to 12 AAAA; 10 1/2 to 13 AAA and AA, 10 1/2 to 14 M, W and selected WW
Brands: Cole Haan, Stuart Weitzman, VanEli, Prevata, Sesto Meucci, David Tate
Up and Under
Where to buy: UpandUnderShoes.com
Plus sizes: 10 1/2 to 12 M
Brands: Anne Klein, Stuart Weitzman, Via Spiga
Beautiful Shoes
Where to buy: Beautiful-Shoes.com
Custom shoes, made to order from your photo or suggested styles similar to Christian Louboutin, Giuseppe Zanotti, Prada and Manolo Blahnik. Pricey, but worth it for a great copy or replacing a beloved old or discontinued pair.
Shoedini
Where to buy: Shoedini.com
Plus sizes:10 1/2 to 12, AA to W
Brands: Via Spiga, Donald J. Pliner, Anne Klein, Stuart Weitzman
Shoes.com
Where to buy: Shoes.com
Plus sizes: 10 1/2 to 12, AAAA to WWW
Brands: Cole Haan, Donald J. Pliner, ViaSpiga
MY THOUGHTS
don't you just envy them? i don't remember being asked for the width of my shoes.
Gerri Miller ON Oct 4, 2005 at 1:27AM
Like Tuscan villas and Hugh Jackman, beautiful shoes were things I'd salivated over in magazines and admired from afar but could never have. Finding cute pumps to match an outfit? Forget it. With size 11AA feet, I had to make do with a severely limited selection of boring, if not downright ugly, shoes in black or brown -- when I could find anything at all. But I'm happy to report that those days of footwear deprivation are over. With a great variety of manufacturers, stores and Websites catering to extended sizes worn by increasing numbers of bigger, taller women, today's size 10+ shoe fanatic can be fashionable from head to toe.
Eleven and 12 are not oddball sizes anymore," says Bob Lewis, whose Prevata line of Italian-made leather shoes is sold in those sizes at Nordstrom's and independent retailers. "I think it's a huge market, and in my own retail stores we take advantage of that tremendously," concurs Donald J. Pliner, who offers sizes 11 and 12 in his four eponymous outlets.
Stuart Weitzman, whose exquisite shoes adorn the soles of Hollywood's red carpet regulars, has earned the love and loyalty of women with hard-to-fit feet by offering a wide range of sizes in his 15 U.S. stores. "We do 3 1/2 to 12, AAAA to W, says Weitzman, who'll add outposts in San Francisco, Atlantic City and San Antonio this fall. Weitzman does a booming extended-size business via his Website and twice-yearly trunk shows in May and November, when customers can pre-order any style in their size. "It's custom made, and we don't charge any extra for it," notes Weitzman. Actress Kate Winslet, who wears a size 11M, wore Weitzman's T-strap Nighty to the Academy Awards.
Élevé by Forgotten Soles, the new custom line from DesignerShoes.com, goes a step further. "We have a virtual trunk show where women have the chance to see styles before they're actually made. We work with customers who have shopped with us before, so we can show them shoes and they can tell us what style and color they like," says company president Barbara Thornton, whose Boston store and Website cater exclusively to hard-to-find sizes. "We start at 10 1/2 medium and 9 on the narrow side and 8 on the wide side and go up to 15. We don't even carry a shoe unless it goes to size 12," notes Thornton, who can fit both the tall teenager who wants flats and the confident career woman who likes heels. "It's all about choice."
Nordstrom, with its 95 department stores nationwide and thousands of shoe styles available on its Website, maintains a commitment to extended sizes that reflects its beginnings 100 years ago as a Seattle shoe store catering to large-footed Swedes. "We try to carry sizes four to fourteen, and widths AAA to WW," says spokesperson Pamela Perret. You can get on the mailing list to be notified of special oversize shoe events and benefit from the huge national inventory. If your store is out of your size, chances are it can be ordered and shipped to you.
For fall, Perret promises a continuation of the bohemian and embellished trends, now in boots, "and what we're calling Baroque -- very decorated, rich fabrics like velvet and brocades. Skirts are huge for fall and whatever style skirt you have, we'll have lots of options."
So much choice can be overwhelming, but it's a dilemma that's way overdue. So clear some closet space and start shopping!
Stuart Weitzman
Where to buy: Stuart Weitzman stores, Nordstrom, Stanley Korshak, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, StuartWeitzman.com
Plus sizes: 10 1/2 to 12, AAAA to W
What's hot now: Scrunched-down boots, booties, metallic leathers in shades of brass, pewter and anthracite, cowboy-influenced styles, moccasins in both low and high heels. "The platform and wedge are very strong for fall," says Weitzman.
Donald J. Pliner
Where to buy: Pliner stores in Beverly Hills, Miami, Las Vegas and San Jose and at Nordstrom stores, or DonaldPliner.com
Plus sizes: 11 and 12 M, some N
What's hot now: Mid-heels and flats in cassis and olive green, hair calf, camel and white mocha print and "a newspaper print with a fuchsia underlay."
Prevata
Where to buy: Harry's Shoes, Nordstrom
Plus sizes: 11 and 12 M
What's hot now: Wedges and bootie-type shoes in stretch materials combined with leather in black, camel and gray and metallics like pewter, bronze and old gold.
Stores that stock plus-size shoes
Nordstrom
Where to buy: 95 stores nationwide, Nordstrom.com
Plus sizes: 10 1/2 to 14, AAA to WW
Brands: Stuart Weitzman, Anne Klein, VanEli, Linea Paolo, J. Renee, Charles David, Franco Sarto, Donald J. Pliner, Kate Spade, A. Marinelli, J. Renee, Ralph Lauren, Kenneth Cole, BCBG and exclusive house brands Classiques Entier and Brass Plum
Marmi
Where to buy: 30 stores nationwide (see Website for locations), MarmiShoes.com or Catalog available at 1-800-966-2764
Plus sizes: 10 1/2 to 13, AAAA to W
Brands: VanEli, Rangoni, Sesto Meucci, Eric Javits
Elleven Up
Where to buy: 12 West 57th Street, NYC, 212-757-2154 EllevenUp.com or 866-ELLEVEN (toll free)
Plus sizes: 10 1/2 to 13 N to W
Brands: Anne Klein, Donald J. Pliner, VanEli, Claudia Ciuti Join mailing list for sale and new style info.
Friedman's Shoes
Where to buy: 209 Mitchell Street, Atlanta, Georgia, LargeFeet.com, catalog available 800-540-6513
Plus sizes: 10 1/2 to 13, AA to WW
Brands: VanEli, J. Renee, Cianni, Paul Melian
DesignerShoes.com
Where to buy: DesignerShoes.com
Plus sizes: 10 1/2 to 15, AAAA to WW
Brands: Via Spiga, Stuart Weitzman, Anne Klein, Pancaldi, Claudia Ciuti, Donald J. Pliner, Steve Madden, custom Élevé line (also see ForgottenSoles.com for list of stores carrying them)
Statuesque
Where to buy: Catalog available, 800-367-7167
Plus sizes: 10 1/2 to 13, AA to WW
Brands: Franco Sarto, Jazz, VanEli, Pelle Moda, Moda Spana, Rangoni
Unique Feet
Where to buy: UniqueFeet.com
Plus sizes:10 1/2 to 12 AAAA; 10 1/2 to 13 AAA and AA, 10 1/2 to 14 M, W and selected WW
Brands: Cole Haan, Stuart Weitzman, VanEli, Prevata, Sesto Meucci, David Tate
Up and Under
Where to buy: UpandUnderShoes.com
Plus sizes: 10 1/2 to 12 M
Brands: Anne Klein, Stuart Weitzman, Via Spiga
Beautiful Shoes
Where to buy: Beautiful-Shoes.com
Custom shoes, made to order from your photo or suggested styles similar to Christian Louboutin, Giuseppe Zanotti, Prada and Manolo Blahnik. Pricey, but worth it for a great copy or replacing a beloved old or discontinued pair.
Shoedini
Where to buy: Shoedini.com
Plus sizes:10 1/2 to 12, AA to W
Brands: Via Spiga, Donald J. Pliner, Anne Klein, Stuart Weitzman
Shoes.com
Where to buy: Shoes.com
Plus sizes: 10 1/2 to 12, AAAA to WWW
Brands: Cole Haan, Donald J. Pliner, ViaSpiga
MY THOUGHTS
don't you just envy them? i don't remember being asked for the width of my shoes.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
How Opposite Sexes Decide on Beautiful Shoes
To Buy or Not to Buy: How Opposite Sexes Make Shoe Decisions
How opposite sexes make decisions regarding shoes
Alina Dizik ON May 18, 2010
When Anna Vaysman needed shoes for her Chicago wedding -- she ordered eight pairs. Taking advantage of Zappos.com's lenient return policy, she tried them all on but only kept two of the eight pairs for her big day. She admits browsing through hundreds of shoes -- both online and off -- before making her choice. On the other hand, her husband picked "The" shoe after carefully examining only six pairs. "I'm not a shopohalic, but I like shoes a lot," Vaysman admits.
She's not the only one. With sales of shoes at $1.5 billion in October, this is an objet d'art for American women and one we're still eager to purchase. The right pair of heels is the ultimate accessory to the perfect outfit, and the search for a comfortable sole is endless. "Women make more impulse driven purchases while men buy more for necessity," says Eileen Lewis, director of fashion strategy at the shoe retailer, which sells thousands of shoes each year.
For men, this process is more straightforward, and here the differences begin...
Men: If the shoe fits -- they will buy it
While it may not seem like it, men also have a shopping approach, it boils down to two words: be efficient! "My strategy is to buy a shoe that is going to last -- not only in durability, but in style," says Nathan Geddie from New York. "I want a simple shoe, one that can be dressed up or down."
As women, this is tough to understand. We're surprised that there are rarely emotional strings attached. At the store, men walk in and can walkout with a shoe that's simply good enough minutes later. There's never a yearning for the famous Christian Louboutin red sole -- instead it's more utilitarian, explains Stephen Hoch a marketing professor at the University of Pennslylvania Wharton School who co-authored a study "Men Buy, Women Shop." For example, in the study men ranked the difficulty of finding parking close to the entrance (29 percent of men surveyed) as the number one problem in their shopping experience, while the women were concerned with "lack of help when needed" (29 percent of women surveyed) as their top deal breaker.
The simplicity of buying online is another matter. Currently, men spend 70 percent more on shopping online than women, according to Forrester Research. Unlike women, they're also not swayed by easy returns and would rather order the product than keep searching.
Women: Always waiting for the "right" moment
We agree when other women compare finding yet another pair of perfect shoes to walking on air or even falling in love.
But it's not only the shoe that has to impress -- it's the entire package. Customer service is a must explains Delia Passi, CEO of WomenCertified, a marketing firm in Hollywood, Florida. "They not only want to be pointed in the right direction, but to be escorted and empowered to make the right decision," says Passi and adds that women, unlike men, regularly turn to sales employees for help. "If she is not treated the way she wants to be treated she will talk with her feet and walk."
And unlike men, those of us without the Y chromosome consider walking into some shoe stores a pleasure in itself. Our favorite? The Saks Fifth Avenue flagship store Shoe Salon which boasts it's own zip code. The eighth floor space also has its own express elevator, a VIP room and a repair service. "Value must exceed cost to win her over, and that means being treated well," adds Passi.
Being at a sale is another story. Once we find the perfect fit, we're willing to scoop it right up -- no questions asked.
So what does this all mean during the busiest shopping month of the year? Research suggests it's best to go your separate ways and meet back at home. With such different styles of shopping, a male-female holiday trip to the mall is bound to turn into a battle.
And now that we've deciphered how exactly it is that you shop, it's time to tackle that pressing question of storage space. We, for one, will ask Santa for a walk-in shoe closet.
MY THOUGHTS
"men buy. women shop" that's why shopping together is not a good idea. i'm not a shopaholic myself. well,not anymore. but i love shoes. and i don't follow the principle of "if the shoe fits." shoe manufaturers seem to understand the buying habits of the opposite sexes. men won;t shop because there's no reason to. they don't have much to choose from in terms of style.
How opposite sexes make decisions regarding shoes
Alina Dizik ON May 18, 2010
When Anna Vaysman needed shoes for her Chicago wedding -- she ordered eight pairs. Taking advantage of Zappos.com's lenient return policy, she tried them all on but only kept two of the eight pairs for her big day. She admits browsing through hundreds of shoes -- both online and off -- before making her choice. On the other hand, her husband picked "The" shoe after carefully examining only six pairs. "I'm not a shopohalic, but I like shoes a lot," Vaysman admits.
She's not the only one. With sales of shoes at $1.5 billion in October, this is an objet d'art for American women and one we're still eager to purchase. The right pair of heels is the ultimate accessory to the perfect outfit, and the search for a comfortable sole is endless. "Women make more impulse driven purchases while men buy more for necessity," says Eileen Lewis, director of fashion strategy at the shoe retailer, which sells thousands of shoes each year.
For men, this process is more straightforward, and here the differences begin...
Men: If the shoe fits -- they will buy it
While it may not seem like it, men also have a shopping approach, it boils down to two words: be efficient! "My strategy is to buy a shoe that is going to last -- not only in durability, but in style," says Nathan Geddie from New York. "I want a simple shoe, one that can be dressed up or down."
As women, this is tough to understand. We're surprised that there are rarely emotional strings attached. At the store, men walk in and can walkout with a shoe that's simply good enough minutes later. There's never a yearning for the famous Christian Louboutin red sole -- instead it's more utilitarian, explains Stephen Hoch a marketing professor at the University of Pennslylvania Wharton School who co-authored a study "Men Buy, Women Shop." For example, in the study men ranked the difficulty of finding parking close to the entrance (29 percent of men surveyed) as the number one problem in their shopping experience, while the women were concerned with "lack of help when needed" (29 percent of women surveyed) as their top deal breaker.
The simplicity of buying online is another matter. Currently, men spend 70 percent more on shopping online than women, according to Forrester Research. Unlike women, they're also not swayed by easy returns and would rather order the product than keep searching.
Women: Always waiting for the "right" moment
We agree when other women compare finding yet another pair of perfect shoes to walking on air or even falling in love.
But it's not only the shoe that has to impress -- it's the entire package. Customer service is a must explains Delia Passi, CEO of WomenCertified, a marketing firm in Hollywood, Florida. "They not only want to be pointed in the right direction, but to be escorted and empowered to make the right decision," says Passi and adds that women, unlike men, regularly turn to sales employees for help. "If she is not treated the way she wants to be treated she will talk with her feet and walk."
And unlike men, those of us without the Y chromosome consider walking into some shoe stores a pleasure in itself. Our favorite? The Saks Fifth Avenue flagship store Shoe Salon which boasts it's own zip code. The eighth floor space also has its own express elevator, a VIP room and a repair service. "Value must exceed cost to win her over, and that means being treated well," adds Passi.
Being at a sale is another story. Once we find the perfect fit, we're willing to scoop it right up -- no questions asked.
So what does this all mean during the busiest shopping month of the year? Research suggests it's best to go your separate ways and meet back at home. With such different styles of shopping, a male-female holiday trip to the mall is bound to turn into a battle.
And now that we've deciphered how exactly it is that you shop, it's time to tackle that pressing question of storage space. We, for one, will ask Santa for a walk-in shoe closet.
MY THOUGHTS
"men buy. women shop" that's why shopping together is not a good idea. i'm not a shopaholic myself. well,not anymore. but i love shoes. and i don't follow the principle of "if the shoe fits." shoe manufaturers seem to understand the buying habits of the opposite sexes. men won;t shop because there's no reason to. they don't have much to choose from in terms of style.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
impulse buys cost a girl £1,000 a year
Those little impulse buys cost a girl £1,000 a year
By Daily Mail Reporter
The average woman shopper spends at least £1,000 a year on impulse buys, a poll has discovered.
And if that seems a rather hefty bill for just a few unplanned treats, it’s merely the tip of the iceberg.
A tenth regularly spend £2,500 a year on seemingly irresistible items which ‘caught their eye’ while wandering through the local shopping centre.
Almost every shopping trip ends with an unplanned purchase of some sort, from shoes to DVDs and make-up, the poll suggests.
Two out of three women admit they regularly stray from planned purchases and come home with at least one or more items they hadn’t budgeted for.
Shoes were the most common impulse purchase, followed by DVDs, magazines and clothes.
Household decorations and books were also high on the list.
Seven out of ten women said they had returned from the shops with a pair of ‘impulse’ shoes in the past 12 months.
Five out of ten admitted clothes were their biggest impulse weakness.
A spokesman for OnePoll, which carried out the survey of 2,000 women and their shopping habits, said: ‘It seems millions of women can’t help themselves when they hit the shops.’
Sales were a prime time for impulse buys, with three out of five women admitting they couldn’t help but pick up something extra if it was cheap, he added.
A third confessed to buying something unplanned in a sale just so that they could say they had snared a bargain.
Four out of five women admitted buying items in sales which they would never have considered at full price.
The study also found women are far more likely to make an impulse purchase if they were accompanied by friends, who appear to act as ‘enablers’ to an impulse shopping fix.
Mothers were also ideal partners in crime, it emerged.
Colleagues were also named and shamed as the perfect companions for an impulsive shopping trip.
Unsurprisingly, nine out of ten women said they would not dare to make an impulse purchase if they were out with their other halves.
MY THOUGHTS
think of how much money could have been saved without impulse buying. what's worse, i think, is the lack of space and disorder those impulse buys bring into our lives. you don't really need to them. so they would just take space somewhere. and when you finally decide you want to dispose - even that becomes cumbersome.
By Daily Mail Reporter
The average woman shopper spends at least £1,000 a year on impulse buys, a poll has discovered.
And if that seems a rather hefty bill for just a few unplanned treats, it’s merely the tip of the iceberg.
A tenth regularly spend £2,500 a year on seemingly irresistible items which ‘caught their eye’ while wandering through the local shopping centre.
Almost every shopping trip ends with an unplanned purchase of some sort, from shoes to DVDs and make-up, the poll suggests.
Two out of three women admit they regularly stray from planned purchases and come home with at least one or more items they hadn’t budgeted for.
Shoes were the most common impulse purchase, followed by DVDs, magazines and clothes.
Household decorations and books were also high on the list.
Seven out of ten women said they had returned from the shops with a pair of ‘impulse’ shoes in the past 12 months.
Five out of ten admitted clothes were their biggest impulse weakness.
A spokesman for OnePoll, which carried out the survey of 2,000 women and their shopping habits, said: ‘It seems millions of women can’t help themselves when they hit the shops.’
Sales were a prime time for impulse buys, with three out of five women admitting they couldn’t help but pick up something extra if it was cheap, he added.
A third confessed to buying something unplanned in a sale just so that they could say they had snared a bargain.
Four out of five women admitted buying items in sales which they would never have considered at full price.
The study also found women are far more likely to make an impulse purchase if they were accompanied by friends, who appear to act as ‘enablers’ to an impulse shopping fix.
Mothers were also ideal partners in crime, it emerged.
Colleagues were also named and shamed as the perfect companions for an impulsive shopping trip.
Unsurprisingly, nine out of ten women said they would not dare to make an impulse purchase if they were out with their other halves.
MY THOUGHTS
think of how much money could have been saved without impulse buying. what's worse, i think, is the lack of space and disorder those impulse buys bring into our lives. you don't really need to them. so they would just take space somewhere. and when you finally decide you want to dispose - even that becomes cumbersome.
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