We all know this is the age of the internet and it is here to stay. With that though, significant changes have come about in the way people shop. Some people use the internet as a tool to compare prices, services, reviews and a host of other reasons.
I would like to concentrate on how "showrooming" relates specifically to a children’s footwear brick and mortar store. First we have to establish what exactly showrooming is.
Showrooming is the practice of examining merchandise in a traditional brick and mortar retail store without purchasing it, but then shopping online to find a lower price for the same item.
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Happy Feet Children's Footwear is not immuned to this practice, however it is taken a bit further then just "showrooming". As a business owner I have been trying to come up with ways to add even more value to the already valuable customer service experience our customers receive. I can't stop customers from coming into my store, "having their child professionally fitted by one of the members of my staff"; the customer then taking a picture of the item as well as a picture of the sku on the box and leave without purchasing. If I say anything it can and has resulted in negative reviews of my business.
What we can do as we have in the past is simply explain that "all footwear fits differently and may not be appropriate for every child". As professional shoe fitters we take many things into consideration when fitting children's feet. We measure overall length, heel to ball length and overall width. Additionally, we watch the child walk in their footwear and make certain that when a parent and child walk out the door they have received the best fit possible.
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Happy Feet Children's Footwear always welcomes customers to stop and compare our products and prices and I guarantee you will find we are fair and comparable to like products.
As a business owner and as a savvy consumer myself, I am cogent of not overstepping the line when I am value shopping. There are many things to consider when you walk into a "small business". Small businesses are a part of the "community", we hire locally, we donate to local schools, organizations, etc., and we help keep our communities viable by keeping our downtowns thriving. We are a part of the tax base that provides for local services. I for one am very appreciative of the broad local support Happy Feet Children's Footwear receives. As I walk my local streets, I am constantly reminded of how wonderful it is to see the many friendly faces on the sidewalk as I to "showroom but purchase locally" as often as I can.
And remember:
Happy Feet, Happy Kids, Happy Parents!
www.HappyFeetKidsShoes.com 973-467-3338
