How to Control Mismates in a Shoe Store
By Alan Miklofsky, November 20, 2024
Ensuring that every customer leaves your shoe store satisfied involves more than just offering the right styles and sizes. Managing mismates—when a left and right shoe of differing sizes or styles end up paired together—can prevent losses, improve customer satisfaction, and maintain your store’s reputation for professionalism. Here’s a practical guide to controlling mismates in your shoe store.
Understanding the Problem
Mismates are a common issue in shoe retail. They occur due to a variety of reasons, including mislabeling, improper stocking, or customer mishandling. If left unchecked, mismates can lead to unsellable inventory, disappointed customers, and reduced profits.
Step-by-Step Approach to Prevent and Manage Mismates
1. Maintain a Systematic Stockroom
Organize by Size and Style: Arrange shoes in an easy-to-follow order, such as: (hash) grouping sizes and styles in clearly labeled sections or by brand, then style, then color, then size.
Perform Regular Stock Audits: Periodically check your inventory to identify and resolve mismates before they become a problem.
2. Implement Barcode Scanning
Equip your staff with handheld scanners and use barcode systems to track inventory. This minimizes errors during stocking and sales transactions by ensuring each shoe scanned matches the correct pair.
3. Train Your Team
Customer Handling: Train staff to verify that customers receive a correctly matched pair of shoes at checkout.
Stockroom Procedures: Educate employees on the importance of matching size and style labels during stocking and restocking.
4. Establish Clear Customer Policies: Politely explain to customers that mismates may occur when pairs are separated during the shopping process. Encourage customers to return shoes to designated locations or hand them to staff rather than placing them back on shelves.
5. Monitor the Sales Floor
Use cameras or assign staff to keep an eye on the sales floor to prevent customers from unintentionally mismatching shoes.
Regularly walk the aisles to locate and correct misplaced or mismatched shoes.
6. Leverage Technology
Use an RFID system for enhanced tracking of individual shoes. RFID tags make it easier to monitor stock and detect mismates in real time.
7. Create a “Mismate Bin”
Set up a dedicated bin for mismates in the stockroom. This ensures mismatched shoes are collected and matched efficiently during inventory checks.
Assign a team member to reconcile the mismate bin weekly, pairing shoes where possible and identifying unresolvable issues.
Turning Challenges into Opportunities
1. Clearance Sales for Singles
When mismates are beyond resolution, consider offering single shoes at a discount to customers in need of replacements. This minimizes losses while serving a niche customer base.
2. Build Strong Vendor Relationships
Discuss mismate issues with your vendors. Some manufacturers may accept returns or provide credit for mismated shoes.
Key Takeaways
Mismates are a solvable issue when approached systematically.
Organized inventory, staff training, and technology are crucial in preventing mismates.
Addressing mismates promptly protects your bottom line and ensures a smooth shopping experience for customers.
Copyright © 2024 Alan Miklofsky.
Alan Miklofsky is a retired retailer and consultant with over 40 years of experience in the shoe industry.