Remember its the experience you provide to your customers that makes your store memorable. If your service sucks, your merchandise is boring and there's no excitement in shopping with you, Why should your customers come back?
You are not exclusive to any brand, your customers now have more choices and the market place is creating price focused consumers...but the one thing you are able to compete with and win is creating a Service Experience.
I traveled to Disney World to research if people were spending money, Disney World is not a necessity like food or gas so when I arrived right in front of the famous Disney Castle I saw hundreds and hundreds of people walking around eating, drinking, shopping, buying and it was non-stop.
I was greeted with smiles, I even received a pin that said First Time and everywhere I stopped Disney staff would say "Welcome To Disney World since it's your first time could I answer any questions or assist you in any way?" Whoa, I felt special!
I did not see people in a recession, I saw people having fun and spending all their money.
What did you offer your customers besides shoes? How did your customers feel when they shopped with you? How did the staff engage your customers? What type of experience do you give?
If you think you are in the shoe business then your business philosphy is totally wrong.
You are in the business of providing an experience, you are in the customer care business and once you understand that you will see your profits grow.
If You're Not Creating An Experience Then You're Not Creating Customers.
George Valdez- Shoe Dog Guru