WFMW: Where to Shop for Shoes
When shopping for shoes, one often overlooked consideration is the return policy.
Once upon a time I bought a pair of black dress shoes for $20 at Ross, parked a block away from church, and found them so uncomfortable that I took them off and walked barefoot the rest of the way. And, yes, I had tried them on and walked around the house in them. Ross would not offer any remedy. That, I would say, is an unacceptable cost per wear.
Back in the days of my retail career, when I worked for a wannabe Nordstrom competitor, we were all keenly aware as management of the Nordstrom tire refund legend. At Nordstrom, if you are not satisfied with your purchase - they will take it back! That policy extends to The Rack, as well.
Updated: Thanks to Ambika for telling us about The Rack’s 30 day limit on returns. That’ll still work for me.
The Rack actually has a 30 day limit on their returns. I discovered this when a pair of shoes that had spent no more than 2 months in my closet lost a functional button. I would have returned/exchanged them but the receipt made it clear this was not possible. Maybe if I’d made a stink at the store, they would have been flexible but that’s not really my style. Besides which, the leather was soft enough that I was able to sew new buttons on.
Thank you, that’s good to know. I will add it to the post (which somehow I messed up when it was supposed to publish - obviously it’s not Wednesday yet!)
I’m glad it worked out for you.
Clarks has excellent service and policies as well. I bought a pair of sandals last year. I was tickled with them so I wore them out of the store. The salesman knew this. By the time I got to the mall exit, I was in pain. But I thought if I just toughed it out… So I wore them to Sam’s Club and home. I was almost crying in pain.
I took them back. The same salesmen helped me with my return and assisted me as I tried on almost everything in the store to find a better fit. (I did) I’m an EXTREMELY loyal customer now. (and they are very happy I’ve lost all this weight, because now my feet aren’t so picky.) I just got an adorable pair of white Clarks sandals this weekend… Happy Sigh!
That’s a great story, blest. And a smart move on the part of the salesman. It’s well worth it to spend a little more for something you can be that confident in!