Our Sheena...not afraid to speak her mind!

I have heard the term “shoe dog” so many times through out my career in the footwear industry. I would like to say that I don’t think age necessarily has anything to do with being a “shoe dog”. I believe they come in all shapes, ages and sizes and I also believe it is a mentality that a person has.  I believe the mentality of the industry is changing  as a whole and people are ready for a refreshing new way to do things.  I think that “shoe dog” can be an endearing term if you are talking about someone who is able to embrace change and move with it. I’ve met many vets of the industry who are simply awesome and have so much to offer. Sheena’s rant this week is definitely focused on the major stereotype. That being said, the disclaimer reads: “Sheena’s Weekly Rantis meant for entertainment purposes only and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of all Shoebizness contributors. Here on Shoebizness we like to highlight all different perspectives.” 

 This weeks topic: What defines a “shoe dog”

Any savvy shoe guy or gal has definitely heard the term “Shoe Dog”. Many of these “Dogs” walk among us and even co-habitate in our very own towns and cities. I, for one, think they need to be legally obligated to notify neighbors of their status as a “Shoe Dog” like some sort of shoe industry version of an Amber Alert.

Note: If any of that offended you, please stop.

Why would any straight man want to sell Women’s shoes in the first place???? I can’t imagine I’m alone here. Lets face it, this industry is certainly not glamorous and we are definitely not traveling on tour buses with a bevy of hot chicks. So I ask, why fellas, why?   A self proclaimed “Shoe Dog” once told me he wouldn’t have gotten into the shoe biz if he had a choice, which would explain why he hates it. There are 3 reasons one becomes a “Dog”:

1)      Born into the business

2)      Desperate for a job, got into this industry by complete accident

3)      They are crazy

These guys are literally balls deep in women’s shoes and end up losing all touch with reality. It turns into a lifestyle. They only know shoes, and they cannot function without them, yet they constantly talk about how much they dislike them and consistantly say “a shoe is just a shoe”. I would love to sit down with a “Shoe Dogs” wife and find out what it’s like to live with such a creature. They would probably explain to me all the perks and try to pull the wool over my eyes with other “benefits” to having a shoe rep for a husband. Lies all lies. You know they probably hate it and can’t stand that their Hubby chitchats, hangs with and kisses the asses of so many women only to turn around and complain about it.

I know there are some cool guys out there working in our industry that could be classified as a “shoe dog” based on their tenuir in the industry and I want to clarify that it is more about attitude, energy, passion etc that truly defines the individual that I am ripping on. I just believe that people want to buy from an individual who truly cares about what they are selling, rather than an Al Bundy type who is just selling a shoe and really doesn’t care anything about it.

I understand back in the hay-day it was ONLY men. Thus the origin of the “Shoe Dog”. Grandpa sold Women’s shoes and his son sold Women’s shoes and so on and so on. Even the buyers were mostly men! That has all changed. Maybe it’s my 8 years in the wholesale shoe biz, I have seen the Women take over and I don’t know the OG’s of the business. In fact, they would probably hate me. To the old “Shoe Dogs” I say, “Watch your ass”! If you are not willing to make a change then you will be left behind. The industry is not what it was during the “golden days” of the industry and it never will be again….

Imagine the scenario, an old dinosaur toting a forty comes in with his sour puss face and starts breaking down the new Fall line to a young, hot, super hip buyer. Why would he or she listen to this pre-historic guy tell him/her about the latest trends? Does his unhip-ass read Vogue every month? Doubt it! The flip side of this coin is your 28 year old, rad, boho-esque, champagne sipping female sale rep. Buyer is instantly into her vibe and more importantly, trusts her opinion. Now, who do you think is going to book more shoes? The word “DUH” comes to mind.

I don’t make the rules, I just make sure I point them out!

 -Sheena Parks

www.matissefootwear.com