If you go barefoot a lot, you are probably well-familiar with the dreaded store confrontation. When one occurs, it is rarely something that makes you feel better afterwards.
But I’d like to talk about the flip side.
The flip side are all those places that do let you in barefoot. And once you’ve been going barefoot for a while, you learn what those places are. They get your business, and you appreciate that. What happens is that they gain your loyalty as a customer. (And the other stores lose all the money your would otherwise be sending their way—all because they prefer to wallow in their ignorance and spit on one of the first rules of customer relations.)
But I have also noticed that the stores I go to a lot have tended to adopt me. I’m their “barefoot customer.” You see, if you are barefoot you can’t help but be noticed. That distinguishes you from all of their other customers, and you get remembered. At my local grocery store, they all seem to know me. Yes, it may just be that they are just generally good with customers, but from what I can see it goes beyond that. I’ve seen how they react with other customers, and their interactions with me go beyond that to the point that I am treated as a “regular.” This has happened in a lot of the store I use and the places I go to.
I’m sure that being a “regular” happened a lot sooner because of my going barefoot.
I notice that in a lot of the stores or places I frequent. It even takes place quite quickly on hiking outings. I’ve mentioned before that I go on organized hikes at Hocking Hills or at the Columbus MetroParks. There, all the rangers pretty much know me, and an awful lot of the regular hikers do too. Again, there are others who are recognized as “regulars”, but being the only barefoot one advances you to that exalted status much more quickly.
So, it is good to keep in mind that store interactions aren’t always challenging but can sometimes work to your advantage.
Ahcuah 
Really neat story! I think this philosophy can also be applied to any business who wants to stand out and build a genuine and memorable relationship with their customer. Maybe we all should find our own way to go “barefoot”…
One aspect of business interactions that has always bothered me is that there’s no familiarity or relationship built. It is only through meaningful relationships that understanding and true appreciation for each other can take place, as far as I’m concerned.
Do you think, Bob, that one strategy a barefooter might do it to SEEK OUT — while either shod or barefoot — store management, introduce themselves and starting building that relationship? If a manager knows you, Bob, instead of you, “the barefoot guy,” it’s a lot harder to wave their hand and discriminate against you.
I’ve thought that one strategy that’s important for barefooters to do, no matter what, when confronted is to first introduce themselves to the manager and ask his/her name. The barefooter should then immediately go into how nice it’s been to shop at the store, compliment the customer service and low prices, etc. etc. before getting back to the issue of bare feet.
It still needs refining, but I think you can understand what I’m getting at.
Smiles,
Michael
Gee, sounds like my local pool hall, VIP! They know I am barefoot and that I come in with my brother to play pool. Great piece Bob, you really highlight the benefits of being a regular somewhere.
Yes I have noticed the same reaction at the local stores I go to. It is very cool and now that you have written this piece I know it isn’t just in my mind. Thanks!